NEWS UPDATE: ONDO STATE LAUNCHES WEST AFRICA’S LARGEST MARKET FARM

ONDO STATE LAUNCHES WEST AFRICA’S LARGEST MARKET FARM


Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has officially flagged off Noreta Farms, a technology-driven agribusiness project covering 100,000 hectares for the cultivation of oil palm, cashew, and cocoa, at Owena-Idanre, off the Akure–Ondo Road. The initiative marks a major step towards modernising agriculture, expanding employment, and positioning the state as a hub for industrial-scale farming.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the project as more than a ceremonial turning of the soil, but as a symbol of planting trust, sowing innovation, and laying a foundation for Ondo State’s long-term prosperity. He explained that the declassification of land was part of a deliberate strategy to attract private-sector investment, transform agriculture into a viable, export-oriented sector, and create jobs for youths while strengthening the state’s economy.

The Governor commended Noreta Farms Limited for selecting Ondo State for its high-tech, closed-environment agribusiness project, describing it as a model of modern, precision agriculture aligned with the state’s economic policies. He noted that the administration has created an enabling environment for investors through its OUR EASE policy, providing infrastructure support, policy clarity, ease of doing business, and security of lives and property.

Highlighting the administration’s commitment to value addition and export-oriented agriculture, Governor Aiyedatiwa said, “When policy, technology, and private capital converge, development becomes inevitable.” He referenced successes under the Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) programme, noting that Ondo State has become a major supplier of tomatoes to Lagos State and that investors such as JB, Saudit Farms, Tropic, SAO Farms, Bambi Palms, ACME Farms, and Bola Oil are already engaged in oil palm production on declassified lands, creating jobs and reducing unemployment.

The Noreta Farms project, he explained, will establish a commercial-scale precision greenhouse farm, create employment, transfer skills to youths, and open new markets, creating economic ripple effects across the community. The Governor urged more investors to take advantage of the opportunities created by the state government and stressed that the project aligns with the administration’s focus on economic diversification, food security, and youth empowerment.

Representatives of Noreta Farms, including Board Member Pelumi Olajengbesi, praised the state government for the supportive business environment, which they said influenced the decision to locate the project in Ondo. Olajengbesi added that the first phase of the project would cover 15,000 hectares under precision green farming, with the long-term vision of establishing the largest market farm in West Africa. Consultant Samuel Bagnor also expressed gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa for the trust placed in the company as the technological partner for the initiative.



The event was attended by senior state government officials, including Secretary to the State Government Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa; Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry Engr. Leye Akinola; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Hon. Adesoji Afolabi; Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Hon. Sunday Olajide; Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy Barr. Allen Sowore; Chairman SUBEB Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan; Director-General OSRC Media Group Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; Ondo State Commissioner of Police CP Adebowale Lawal; and State Commandant NSCDC Commandant Oluyemi Ibiloye, among other dignitaries.

The groundbreaking of Noreta Farms represents a bold effort to leverage technology and private-sector investment in transforming Ondo State’s agricultural landscape, delivering jobs, skills, and sustainable economic value to residents.

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