Home AgricultureAgribusiness Odu’a Investment Unveils Agro Industrial Hub in Ekiti to Boost Youth Jobs and Food Security

Odu’a Investment Unveils Agro Industrial Hub in Ekiti to Boost Youth Jobs and Food Security

by Radarr Africa
Odu’a Investment Unveils Agro Industrial Hub in Ekiti to Boost Youth Jobs and Food Security

Odu’a Investment Company Limited has launched a major agro-industrial initiative in Oke Ako, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, aimed at increasing agricultural production, empowering youths, and improving the local economy. Known as the Odu’a Agro Industrial Hub, the project is being executed through the company’s agricultural subsidiary, Southwest Agriculture Company Limited (SWAgCo), in partnership with the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF).

At the official flag-off ceremony on Wednesday, the Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment, Mr Abdulraham Yinusa, said the hub was part of the company’s plan to drive inclusive agricultural transformation through innovation, collaboration, and private sector partnerships. Speaking in Oke Ako, Yinusa explained that the hub would serve as more than a farmland—it would become a central platform for the entire agricultural value chain.

“This hub at Oke-Ako Ekiti will be more than a production site. It is a platform designed to bring together actors across the agricultural value chain—from land development and input suppliers to mechanization, processing, storage, and logistics services,” he said.

He noted that the new facility would create job opportunities for youth and women while helping to boost economic activities across the region. Yinusa also praised the board of SWAgCo for their commitment to sustainable agribusiness models, noting that the collaboration with BATNF on the maize micro-enterprise project was a good example of successful public-private cooperation.

The maize project, which is starting with the training and support of 100 youths from nearby communities, is focused on large-scale maize farming. It will provide young farmers with access to land, inputs, credit facilities, and technical knowledge.

“Many young people in this area will now have the opportunity to become self-reliant through agriculture. This initiative will not only train them on good farming practices but also provide them with the tools and support they need to succeed from planting to harvest and even marketing,” Yinusa added.

The Chairman of SWAgCo, Mr Salami Owolabi, described the agro-industrial hub as a purpose-built ecosystem that would host various players in the agricultural sector, including providers of seeds, fertilisers, machinery, extension services, and logistics. He added that the plan goes beyond farming to include infrastructure such as housing, electricity, healthcare, and education.

“This is not just about planting crops. It is about building a community that will drive regional development, boost food security, and increase the state’s contribution to the national economy,” Owolabi said.

He emphasised that the maize micro-enterprise project was a clear demonstration of the company’s plan to practically empower young people, create wealth, and promote sustainable farming practices.

General Manager of British American Tobacco Nigeria, Mr Oludare Odusanya, also spoke at the event. He explained that BATNF’s goal is to empower smallholder farmers and enable them to lead in sustainable rural development. According to him, the current partnership with Odu’a Investment and SWAgCo is a critical step towards improving agricultural livelihoods in Ekiti State.

In her remarks, the Regent of Oke Ako Ekiti, Princess Tinuade Adebayo, thanked the state government and Odu’a Investment for bringing development to the community. She expressed hope that the initiative would bring lasting benefits to residents and surrounding villages.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, was represented at the launch by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo. Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to using agriculture to tackle economic challenges, empower youth, and ensure food security across the state. He commended Odu’a Investment, SWAgCo, and BATNF for aligning with the government’s policies and goals.

“This partnership is a strong step in the right direction. It demonstrates what can happen when government and the private sector work together to deliver real results,” he said.

The launch of the Odu’a Agro Industrial Hub is expected to mark a turning point for agricultural development in Ekiti State, especially in the Ikole axis. With a focus on empowering local farmers, engaging the youth, and strengthening food production, stakeholders believe the project has the potential to create long-term impact in the state and beyond.

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