Ondo Government Inaugurates Steering Committee to Boost Agricultural investment

 

 

Ondo Government Inaugurates Steering Committee to Boost Agricultural Investment

 

The Ondo State Government has inaugurated a steering committee for the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agricultural Investment (FRILIA), in a move aimed at strengthening food security, attracting investors, and guaranteeing fair returns for host communities.

 

Governor Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who led the inauguration on Wednesday at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, described the initiative as a bold step towards securing livelihoods and transforming the state’s agricultural sector.

 

“The inauguration of this committee marks another giant step in our administration’s quest to ensure food security for the good people of Ondo State through sustainable collaboration involving host communities, Local Government Areas, and the State Government,” the Governor said.

 

He explained that FRILIA is designed to balance investment opportunities with community rights, adding that the framework will protect host communities while promoting agricultural development in line with national food security policies.

 

“The major objective of this committee is to ensure we have an enabling environment that guarantees adequate protection for host communities, ensuring they derive premium returns on their land being used for agricultural purposes,” he said.

 

Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed that the framework was developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the World Bank, and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC). He also revealed that the state has acquired 26,000 hectares of land at Ori Ohin in Ose Local Government Area for a pilot project, while efforts to secure additional land are ongoing.

 

The Governor, who will chair the committee, outlined its mandate to include supervision of FRILIA projects in the state, monitoring finances and project implementation, as well as post-project evaluation. He said the government has earmarked N7.5 billion for the agricultural sector to ensure the growth of the state’s agricultural value chain.

 

Earlier, Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, described FRILIA as a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural and land reform agenda. He said the framework provides a transparent and inclusive approach to land-based investments, protecting community rights and attracting credible investors.

 

According to Akinola, pilot engagement with companies such as Fujaik International has demonstrated how FRILIA principles can create jobs, increase revenue, and safeguard community interests.

 

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Foluke Tunde-Daramola, while delivering the vote of thanks, praised the Governor for redefining land allocation for agricultural purposes, noting that Ondo State is already attracting investors and poised to become a national model for responsible land governance.

 

Among those present at the event were Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service Mr. Bayo Philip, members of the State Executive Council, and other senior officials.