Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has expressed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) as part of broader efforts to expand mechanised farming and enhance food security across the state.
He made this commitment on Monday while receiving a delegation from NALDA, led by its Ondo State Coordinator, Chief Olusola Ayandokun, at the Governor’s Office in Akure.
During the visit, Governor Aiyedatiwa pointed out that the high cost of land clearing remains a major obstacle for many farmers, especially young and aspiring ones, who wish to embrace or expand mechanised farming. He identified this challenge as a key area where NALDA could play a vital role.
“One of the biggest challenges discouraging farmers from going into mechanised agriculture is the cost of clearing land,” the governor said. “It is reassuring to know that this is one of NALDA’s core areas of focus.”
He further stated that removing this hurdle would encourage more youth to venture into agriculture. He also lauded NALDA’s integrated farm estate model being implemented in other states, adding that Ondo already has similar farm settlements that could be revitalized through strategic partnerships.
The governor expressed confidence that such collaboration would also boost livestock farming, particularly goat and rabbit rearing—sectors where Ondo has comparative advantages.
In his remarks, Chief Ayandokun reaffirmed NALDA’s support for the state’s agricultural development agenda. He explained that the agency, now revitalized under the current federal administration, is committed to unlocking arable land, strengthening food systems, and empowering youth and women through agriculture.
He outlined NALDA’s core initiatives, which include land development, allocation to farmers, establishment of integrated farm estates, provision of agricultural inputs, and promotion of animal husbandry and training programmes.
According to Ayandokun, Ondo State is well-positioned for various agricultural projects, including cocoa and oil palm cultivation, as well as livestock farming. He mentioned that areas like the Ile-Oluji farm settlement are already earmarked for pilot schemes, with land allocated and training modules prepared for rollout.
He also emphasized the importance of encouraging households to engage in small-scale farming, whether through growing crops or raising animals, to boost food production at the community level.
The meeting was attended by top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Mr. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola.
