Ondo Launches $42m Agric City to Boost Jobs, Security

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the establishment of a $42 million Agricultural City in Iju-Agbonrin/Ori-Ohin, located in Ose Local Government Area. The project is being undertaken by KONIG Agriculture Ltd under the Federal Government’s Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agriculture initiative.

The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Leye Akinola, confirmed the approval after signing a land-lease agreement between community landowners and the company. He urged investors to take advantage of the government’s support and enabling environment, stressing that the project would stimulate economic growth, reduce unemployment, and improve security within the host communities.

Akinola said the initiative would drive major agricultural development across the Northern Senatorial District, including the revival of the long-abandoned Akunnu cattle ranch. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will serve as guarantor for landholding families as requested by the company.

Permanent Secretary Foluke Tunde-Daramola appealed to community leaders to prepare their youths and women for job opportunities the project will create. KONIG Agriculture Ltd’s project lead, Oluwasegun Saliu, commended the state government for backing the initiative, saying over 60 percent of the workforce would be sourced locally. He added that the company plans to invest in boreholes, solar power, and a community-accessible health centre.

A representative of the FRILIA initiative, Justina Arogundade, noted that the programme promotes responsible large-scale agricultural investment through environmental safety, fair compensation, and community inclusion.