Ondo State has declassified 15 hectares of land for large-scale cultivation of oil palm, cashew and cocoa, as Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa launched the Noreta Farms plantation at Owena-Idanre, along the Akure–Ondo Road.

The project, described as a technology-driven, closed-environment farming initiative, is expected to boost agricultural investment and create jobs across the state.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the decision to release the land was part of a deliberate strategy to modernise agriculture and attract private capital.

“This initiative is designed to transform agriculture from a subsistence activity into a viable, export-oriented, wealth-creating sector,” he said.

“It will create jobs, empower youths, and strengthen Ondo State’s economy.”

The governor described the ceremony as more than a symbolic event, saying it represented “planting trust, sowing innovation and laying the foundation for the prosperity of Ondo State’s people”.

A push for private investment

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the declassification of farmland aligns with his administration’s OUR EASE policy, which focuses on easing business operations, improving infrastructure and guaranteeing security.

“Projects like Noreta Farms demonstrate how technology-driven agriculture can generate employment, develop skills, and deliver sustainable economic value for our people,” he said.

He added that the state had strengthened its security architecture through intelligence-led operations and cooperation with local communities.

“These efforts are deliberate, sustained, and yielding results, because investment flows where safety is assured and confidence is guaranteed,” he said.

Climate-smart farming and value addition

The governor said Ondo State’s agricultural strategy prioritises value addition, innovation and climate-smart practices.

“We are promoting agriculture as innovation, enterprise, and industry. When policy, technology, and private capital converge, development becomes inevitable,” he said.

He noted that under the state’s Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) programme, Ondo has become a major supplier of tomatoes to Lagos State.

According to him, investors including JB, Saudit Farms, Tropic, SAO Farms, Bambi Palms, ACME Farms and Bola Oil are already engaged in oil palm production on declassified lands, contributing to job creation and reduced unemployment.

Inside the Noreta Farms project

The Noreta Farms plantation is expected to operate as a commercial-scale precision greenhouse farm, offering employment, skills transfer and access to new markets for young people.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the project aligns with his administration’s goals of economic diversification, food security and export-oriented agriculture.

He urged more investors to take advantage of the opportunities created by the state government.

Industry reaction

A member of Noreta Farms’ Board of Directors, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said the company chose Ondo State after assessing government support, security and the business climate across the south-west.

“Noreta Farms is leading innovation in farming today in Nigeria and it is our desire to see that this company contributes towards food security and development in the country,” he said.

He described the state government’s support as critical to the project’s success.

“This project will bring development for our people. It will create employment opportunities and stimulate growth in the state,” he said.

Olajengbesi added that the first phase of the project would cover 15,000 hectares under Precision Green Farming, also known as closed-environment farming in the United Kingdom.

He said Noreta Farms ultimately aims to become the largest market farm in West Africa, with backing from the Ondo State government.

Expert perspective

A consultant on the project, Samuel Bagnor, thanked the governor for trusting the company and appointing it as the technological partner.

He said the project reflects growing confidence in technology-driven agriculture as a solution to Nigeria’s food security challenges.

What’s next

State officials say more agribusiness projects are expected as Ondo continues to open land for controlled farming, with a focus on exports, youth employment and sustainable production.

Who was there

The event was attended by senior government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti, the Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa, Agriculture Commissioner Leye Akinola, Police Commissioner Adebowale Lawal, and other top officials.

Nigeria’s push to reduce reliance on imported dairy products is beginning to show results, with Promasidor Nigeria reporting increased local milk production through its participation in the National Dairy Development Programme.

The fast-moving consumer goods company says its Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State has become a major contributor to local dairy output while supporting jobs, food security, and affordable nutrition for consumers.

Why it matters

Nigeria spends billions of dollars annually on dairy imports, placing pressure on foreign exchange and food prices.

Investment driving local production

Promasidor’s Chief Executive Officer, François Gillet, said the company’s dairy investment aligns with its long-term localisation strategy.

“As a market leader in quality food and beverage products, the national dairy development programme is a critical part of our long-term strategy to localise raw material sourcing, strengthen Nigeria’s dairy ecosystem, and ensure consistent delivery of nutritious milk products to consumers,” Mr Gillet said.

The Ikun Dairy Farm was established in 2019 through a partnership with the Ekiti State Government.

Promasidor invested an initial $5m in the project, followed by additional capital injections to expand operations.

The farm currently houses more than 750 high-yielding cattle, making it the largest dairy farm in Nigeria, according to the company.

Technology and sustainability

Promasidor says the farm relies on modern dairy management systems, including routine artificial insemination, to support herd growth and productivity.

Veterinary doctors and trained dairy practitioners oversee operations, helping to improve animal health and milk yields.

To secure feed supply, the company has cultivated over 500 hectares of maize and soya beans, aimed at ensuring consistent, high-quality nutrition for the cattle.

Jobs and community impact

Beyond production, the dairy project has become a significant source of employment in Ekiti State.

Promasidor says the farm directly employs more than 200 local residents, with over 1,000 indirect jobs created across nearby communities.

Local economic analysts say such projects can help slow rural-urban migration while improving household incomes.

Public health and education

As part of its social impact efforts, Promasidor runs the “Ikun Milk Day” initiative.

Under the programme, fresh milk from the Ikun Dairy Farm is distributed weekly to government primary school pupils in the Ikun community.

Education advocates say access to nutritious food can improve children’s concentration, school attendance, and learning outcomes.

A legacy in Nigeria’s dairy market

Promasidor has played a long-standing role in Nigeria’s dairy sector.

In 1993, the company disrupted the food and beverage market with the introduction of Cowbell Milk sachets, a format later adopted widely across the industry.

Today, its brand portfolio includes Cowbell, Loya, Miksi, Toptea, Onga, Twisco, and Kremela.

What’s next

Located on over 500 hectares in Ikun-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area, the Ikun Dairy Farm is being positioned as a model for public-private collaboration in agriculture.

Nigeria’s National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a pilot project aimed at offering sustainable livelihoods to communities involved in illicit cannabis cultivation, marking a shift from enforcement to engagement.

The initiative, known as the Alternative Development Project, was unveiled on Tuesday at a town hall meeting in Akure, Ondo State.

Why it matters

Nigeria has long struggled with illicit drug cultivation, which fuels insecurity, environmental damage and rural poverty.

NDLEA says replacing illegal crops with profitable legal alternatives could improve food security, weaken criminal networks and reduce conflict between farmers and law enforcement.

‘From enforcement to empowerment’ — Marwa

Speaking at the event, NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), said the project was designed to end the “age-long battle” between authorities and illicit drug producers.

“The introduction of the Alternative Development Project in Nigeria will end the age-long battle between law enforcement and illicit drug producers while also offering them sustainable livelihoods that will ensure food security,” he said.

Marwa said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food production and economic inclusion.

Security concerns and drug economy

The NDLEA boss warned that drug cultivation and trafficking pose serious security risks.

“We know the nexus between drug use, trafficking and criminalities—Boko Haram, banditry, terrorism. They use drugs before carrying out their nefarious activities and sell drugs to raise funds,” he said.

He added that while the drug trade generates huge profits, host communities often remain poor and insecure.

Community-led crop substitution

Marwa stressed that the project would succeed only through community ownership.

“We are here to build a robust community network to support the Alternative Development project; to locate and establish alternatives to illicit cropping,” he said.

“This initiative belongs to you, the people, and we want to ensure its long-term sustainability.”

He said NDLEA would work with communities willing to abandon cannabis cultivation in favour of legal crops.

Profitable alternatives to cannabis

According to Marwa, some legal crops can generate higher income than cannabis.

“There is a wide range of licit cash and food crops such as Artemisia annua, which has a higher financial value than cannabis, in addition to other beneficial properties in the cure of malaria,” he said.

He described Alternative Development as “empowerment, not enforcement.”

‘We are no longer enemies’

Marwa assured participants that the initiative would not be used as a trap for arrests.

“Alternative Development will not be used as a deceptive tool to arrest or detain anyone,” he said.

“From today, we are no longer ‘enemies’. We are friends. We are partners in progress.”

He said Ondo State would serve as a pilot location, starting with three communities, before a nationwide rollout.

Ondo State Government backs project

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Ayedatiwa, welcomed the programme and pledged full state support.

“I assure the NDLEA of the continued support and cooperation of Ondo State Government towards stemming the tide of drug abuse,” he said.

The governor said the state would provide land, clear farms and supply seeds to participating communities.

Youth urged to reject drugs

Ayedatiwa called on young people to embrace the new opportunities.

“You have a great future ahead of you, but to fulfil your potential, you must say no to drugs,” he said.

He urged youths to take advantage of government intervention programmes and focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.

Traditional rulers lend support

Traditional leaders in the state also endorsed the initiative.

Speaking on behalf of royal institutions, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, described the project as timely.

“There’s no alternative to it. We know the consequences of cannabis cultivation and all other drugs,” he said.

“It is better to have opportunities that are legally available in the land.”

International and expert backing

The event drew national and international partners, including representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Global Partnership on Drug Policies and Development, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Development experts say crop substitution programmes, when community-driven, can reduce drug supply while strengthening rural economies.

What’s next

NDLEA says it will assess the Ondo pilot before making recommendations to the Federal Government.

If successful, the programme could be expanded to other states battling illicit drug cultivation.