By Dr. Menukuro Frank
Agriculture remains a critical component of the economy in many developing countries, and Nigeria is no exception. In Ondo State, Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa has recognized the pivotal role agriculture plays in shaping the state’s economic landscape. Under his leadership, several agricultural programmes and initiatives have been implemented, focusing on enhancing food production, creating employment, fostering businesses, and increasing the state’s revenue generation.
This article highlights these programmes and draws examples from global agricultural success stories that underscore the importance of agriculture to national economies.
Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa’s administration had been placing strong emphasis on agricultural transformation as a means of diversifying the state’s economy. Key programmes under his leadership have focused on empowering farmers, boosting food production, and improving access to modern farming tools and techniques. The Governor’s innovative approach has involved collaboration with both private and public sector stakeholders to ensure the success of these initiatives.
One of the flagship programmes of Governor Ayedatiwa is the Agricultural Development and Empowerment Scheme, which provides farmers with access to subsidized seeds, fertilizers, and modern farming equipment. By improving the productivity of small holder farmers, this initiative aims to increase food output, which directly impacts food security and local economies.
Additionally, Governor Ayedatiwa has focused on irrigation projects to combat the challenges of climate change and unreliable rainfall, enabling year-round farming.
Another critical initiative is the establishment of Agribusiness Support Centers, which are designed to provide a one-stop-shop for agricultural entrepreneurs.
These centers offer training, access to finance, and technical support, fostering the growth of agribusinesses and ensuring that the agricultural value chain is fully explored. The Governor’s administration has also worked to create an enabling environment for agro-processing, which further promotes business activities within the state.
Furthermore, Governor Ayedatiwa has made significant strides in developing agricultural cooperatives that support smallholder farmers by providing them with access to credit, shared resources, and collective bargaining power. This has led to an increase in the number of organized farming groups, making it easier to implement large-scale agricultural projects and improve income generation.
Other areas of intervention of the Governor also include the plantation of palm oil trees on a 10,120 hectares of land at the commercial oil palm estate in Ore being facilitated by SAO, an agro processing Investor, who is developing the Ondo State agro processing zone. This initiative is being funded by the Ondo State government in partnership with the African Development Bank.
Similarly, to boost food security and create a gamut of employment opportunities, the governor inaugurated six agricultural projects in January 2025. These projects are being funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the FGN/NDDC/IFAD-assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project and, the impactful projects are located in Mahintedo, Ilaje Local Government Area, and Igedegede in Akoko North-West Local Government Area.
Beside this, in a bid to provide a model and template for agriculture and enhance the food revolution initiatives of the Ondo state government ,which is expected to culminate in increase in food supplies and generate more revenues from cash crops, the Governor approved the conversion of Rufus Giwa polytechnic, Owo into a University of Agriculture and Agric business, while the Ondo State Government has also put the necessary machinery in place to secure the state against Kidnappers, armed robbery attacks and other forms of insecurity across the state.
In the same vein, he has also approved a memoranda of understanding (MOU) between the Ondo State Government and private investors for the injection of the sum of fifteen billion naira into a youth oriented agricultural scheme known as young Ranchers Agricultural Cluster Development Programme, a bi- party arrangement between the Ondo State government and Agro mall Discovery and Extension Limited .
It must also be stressed here that the Governor has also lined up more life-changing agricultural programmes, which are to be unveiled very soon.
As a matter of fact, the role of Agriculture in driving economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction cannot be overstated. Agriculture accounts for a significant percentage of Nigeria’s GDP, with a large portion of the population dependent on it for their livelihood. By prioritizing agricultural development, Governor Ayedatiwa is helping to stimulate economic growth in Ondo State and enhance its revenue generation potential.
One of the most significant contributions of agriculture to the economy is employment generation. Agriculture provides direct and indirect employment opportunities for millions of people, especially in rural areas. By investing in agriculture, Ondo State has significantly reduced unemployment rates and create sustainable jobs, especially for youths and women. Programs such as vocational training in agricultural skills and agribusiness entrepreneurship help to diversify sources of income in the state.
In addition, the agro-processing sector plays a key role in job creation. As agricultural produce is processed into finished goods, more employment opportunities arise in packaging, distribution, and retail. This expansion of businesses across the agricultural value chain further contributes to Ondo State’s economic growth.
Also, agriculture is a revenue generator and food security tool. Agriculture is also an essential source of raw materials for industries. By increasing food production and improving agricultural exports, Ondo State can tap into lucrative markets both locally and internationally. With the state’s rich agricultural resources, including cocoa, cassava, and palm oil, there is an opportunity to generate significant revenue through the export of these commodities.
The promotion of Agro-Tourism is another innovative revenue stream that Governor Ayedatiwa has explored. By developing agricultural tourism projects, the state can attract visitors that are interested in learning about farming techniques, organic food production, and traditional practices. This emerging sector can help diversify revenue sources while simultaneously promoting Ondo State as a key agricultural hub.
Moreover, the state’s initiatives are vital for enhancing food security. By increasing the supply of locally produced food, the state has reduced its dependence on food imports, contributing to the country’s broader goal of food self-sufficiency.
Meanwhile, many countries of the world had been using agriculture as a critical tool for economic empowerment and development and that explains why the Ondo state government have been investing heavily in agriculture.
It cannot be over-emphasized that the importance of agriculture as a catalyst for national development is evident in several countries around the world. In countries like the Netherlands, agriculture is a major contributor to the national economy. Despite its relatively small size, the Netherlands is one of the world’s largest exporters of agricultural products. Its innovative farming practices, including greenhouse farming and precision agriculture, have allowed the country to produce high-quality food products that are exported globally, significantly contributing to its GDP.
Similarly, in Israel, agriculture plays a crucial role in the country’s economic and technological advancement. Israel’s agricultural sector is driven by innovation, with advancements in drip irrigation, water conservation, and sustainable farming techniques. The country’s agricultural research and development initiatives have resulted in high yields and efficient food production, making Israel a global leader in agricultural technology.
In Africa, countries like Kenya and Ethiopia have harnessed agriculture as a key driver of economic growth. Kenya, for instance, has invested heavily in its floriculture sector, becoming one of the largest exporters of cut flowers in the world. Similarly, Ethiopia has focused on expanding its coffee industry, which is a major export earner and contributes significantly to its gross domestic product (GDP)
Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa’s agricultural initiatives in Ondo State are crucial steps toward unlocking the full potential of the state’s agricultural resources. By prioritizing food production, job creation, and revenue generation, his administration is building a foundation for long-term economic growth.
Drawing inspiration from successful agricultural models in countries like the Netherlands, Israel, and Kenya, Ondo State has adopted innovative approaches to agriculture that will drive its economic transformation. The governor’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector is poised to make Ondo State a leading example in agricultural development in Nigeria and beyond.
Dr. Menukuro Frank,FCCA, is an award winning globally recognized financial consultant and member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA)
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