As part of efforts aimed at transforming the agricultural sector into a major driver of economic growth, job creation and food security, the Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has officially handed over 279 hectares of developed farmland to landless youths and women under the Sustainable Land Development for Landless Youths and Women Initiative of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ-IFAD) Programme. 

The intervention presently  covers  the three  participating Local Government Areas including  Odogbolu, Obafemi Owode, and Yewa North providing beneficiaries with access to developed, productive and climate-resilient farmland to boost agricultural production, improved livelihoods and strengthen rural economic development.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Honourable Bolu Owotomo, stated this  during the symbolic handover of developed farmland at Ibido-Ogbo in Odogbolu Local Government Area.

The event marked the official handover  of the land allocation exercise under the SAPZ-IFAD Programme for landless youths and women across the participating local government areas.

The Commissioner said the State Government remains committed to implementing initiatives that enhance agricultural productivity, improve access to productive resources, expand agricultural value chains, generate employment opportunities and position Ogun State as a leading destination for agricultural investment in Nigeria.

He noted that although the land development project commenced barely a month ago, significant progress has been recorded through the collaboration of the State Government, the SAPZ-IFAD Programme, development partners, consultants, contractors and the host communities.

According to the Commissioner, the initiative provides landless youths and women with access to developed, productive and climate-resilient farmland, enabling them to increase agricultural output while contributing to food security and rural economic development.

The Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Oyetola-Diya, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for prioritising the development of the local government through agricultural interventions aimed at reducing unemployment. He urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods in the agricultural sector.

Also speaking, the Mogoosu of Ibido-Ogbo Community, Oba Temitope Oyenuga, expressed appreciation to the SAPZ-IFAD Programme, Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Federal Government for supporting youths and women in the community. 

The monarch encouraged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them by becoming worthy ambassadors of the government's agricultural initiatives.

In his welcome address, the Acting State Programme Coordinator of SAPZ, Mr. Ibrahim Busi described the intervention as one of the flagship projects under the programme's first phase.

He explained that the project will develop about 279 hectares of farmland across six strategic locations in the state.

Mr. Ibrahim disclosed that the first phase commenced at Ibido-Ogbo with the development of 44 hectares involving land clearing and ploughing, while another 10 hectares are being developed at Imodi, also in Odogbolu Local Government Area.

The State Agro-Processing Engineer for SAPZ, Engr. Oluwatoyin Odejobi and the contractor, Green Growers Agro-Equip and Leasing Co.Ltd., represented by Mr. Babatunde Okedare, in their separate remarks, urged the beneficiaries to protect the farmland and make productive use of it to enhance agricultural production and contribute to the state's economic growth.

Some of the beneficiaries, including Mr. Obikoya Ayomide, Mrs. Juliana Abosede and Mrs. Akpan Suliat, expressed gratitude to the State Government for the initiative, describing it as a life-changing opportunity that would improve their livelihoods and boost food production.