Ondo State, renowned for its agricultural prowess, is poised to reclaim its former glory in the sector. Despite being rich in crude oil and minerals, the state’s fertile soil and favorable climate make it an agricultural hub.
For decades, Ondo State has dominated Nigeria’s cocoa production and boasts extensive plantations of oil palm, rubber, and cassava.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration has made significant strides in supporting initiatives that promote agricultural growth. The recent establishment of the JB Palm Plantation and Processing Mill in Ore, Ondo State, is a testament to this effort. Financed by Ajibola Adebutu, CEO of JB Farms Limited, this project is set to revolutionize the state’s agricultural landscape.
The remarkable investment by Mr. Ajibola Adebutu is a significant milestone in Ondo State’s progression towards taking back its pride of place as leader of the agricultural revolution in Southwest Nigeria, nay Nigeria as a whole. This huge investment in oil palm production which is needed for food products like cooking oil, margarine, soaps, cosmetics, and biofuels will undoubtedly set Ondo State as the hub for agricultural production and processing.
On the other hand, this grand investment by Ajibola Adebutu may also help to reverse the trend of kidnapping and criminality in Ondo South Senatorial district where it is located. The place was a hiding haven for criminals as it used to be a thick forest.
Paying a working visit to the JB Farms in Ore, the visibly elated Executive Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa stated: ‘This is a very large plantation. It is the biggest I have seen. So much has gone into this place including road infrastructure. This is about 400km of roads leading to the various clusters in this farm. They have taken it to another level. We have to support large scale mechanized farmers. We will give them all the required support, security, and enabling environment.’
While appreciating the Governor for his visit, Mr. Adebutu noted that this oil palm investment ‘is capable of producing about 800 tonnes of palm fruit everyday. With this, security wise, kidnappers will not have a place to hide. We are encouraging people. We are challenging people to invest because this is part of the future of Nigeria.’
Governor Aiyedatiwa also planted a palm tree in the Farms to affirm his unrivalled commitment to promoting food sufficiency, sustainable agriculture and profitable agribusiness in the state.
