Odu’a Investment Company Limited has launched the Odu’a Agro Industrial Hub in Oke Ako Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State to boost agro production, unlock job opportunities, and stimulate local economic development.
The Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment, Mr Abdulraham Yinusa, said the project is to “affirm our shared vision for inclusive agricultural transformation—driven by innovation, private-sector partnership, and regional integration”.
Yinusa spoke at Oke Ako Ekiti on Wednesday during the launch, which also featured the flag-off of a Sustainable Development Project of maize micro-enterprises being undertaken by the agricultural subsidiary of Odu’a Investment, Southwest Agriculture Company Limited, in partnership with British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation in the community.
The maize project is taking off with the training and empowerment of 100 youths from communities in the local government area in maize cultivation on a large expanse of land in the hub.
The Odu’a boss said, “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.
“It will foster inclusive growth, unlock job opportunities for our youth and women, and stimulate local economic development.”
He described the maize cultivation initiative as “a shining example of what can be achieved when strong institutions work together with purposeful partners.”
Yinusa lauded the board of SWAgCo for its strategic direction and commitment to excellence in developing sustainable agribusiness models.
He also lauded Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for his transformative strides in repositioning Ekiti State as a destination for agribusiness and private investment, adding, “Your bold policies on youth empowerment, rural development, and food security are bearing fruit, and we are proud that this project aligns closely with those aspirations.”
SWAgCo Chairman, Mr Salami Owolabi, said the agro-industrial hub had been purposefully designed to serve as a centralised ecosystem for key agricultural value chain actors including land development companies, mechanisation service providers, input suppliers (such as seed, fertiliser and agrochemicals), extension service providers, commodity processors, as well as storage and logistics firms.
Owolabi said, “Beyond agriculture, the hub envisions a thriving community underpinned by independent power supply, quality housing, education, and healthcare services. It is a bold step towards catalyzing economic development in the region, driving job creation, particularly for women and youth, strengthening food security, and contributing meaningfully to the local Gross Domestic Product.”
He said that the SWAgCo–BATNF Maize Micro-Enterprise Project, beginning with the training of an initial cohort of 100 Ekiti youths, represented Odu’a Investment’s practical commitment to youth empowerment.
The SWAgCo boss said, “This initiative will deliver comprehensive training in good agricultural practices, facilitate access to critical inputs and credit, and support participants through harvesting, storage, and marketing—ultimately fostering long-term wealth creation and sustainability”.
The General Manager of British American Tobacco Nigeria, Mr Oludare Odusanya, highlighted the project’s aim of empowering smallholder farmers to become drivers of sustainable development.
The Regent of Oke Ako Ekiti, Princess Tinuade Adebayo, who hailed the state government for attention to the community, also praised Odu’a Investment for the initiative, saying, “We believe this will bring about a good turning point for Oke Ako and its environment”.
In his remarks, Ekiti State Governor, Oyebanji, reiterated his administration’s commitment to boosting the economy and tackling societal challenges through strategic agricultural interventions.
Oyebanji, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, hailed SWAgCo and BATNF, describing it as a vital step towards youth empowerment, enhanced agricultural productivity, and sustainable development in the state.
Credit: punchng.com
