By Faridat Salifu
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has reaffirmed agriculture as the cornerstone of the state’s development strategy, positioning it as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, food security and industrialisation.
The governor highlighted this vision during the midterm review of his second tenure in office on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Addressing stakeholders and government officials, Abiodun said his administration has deliberately placed agriculture at the heart of its economic growth plan, moving beyond subsistence farming to treat the sector as a strategic business and investment opportunity that can attract capital, support livelihoods and boost exports.
“We are investing in agriculture with purpose, ensuring that our farmers and agribusinesses become competitive, productive and profitable,” the governor said. “This is central to our vision for a diversified, resilient and inclusive economy.”
To realise this vision, the Abiodun administration has rolled out key initiatives under the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) and the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS).
These platforms are designed to provide targeted support to farmers, improve access to information, and strengthen agricultural value chains.
Among the priority areas are aquaculture and poultry, sectors identified for their potential to expand food production, create jobs and enhance nutrition outcomes.
The agriculture strategy also includes interventions to improve mechanisation, input supply, and market access for smallholder and commercial farmers.
Analysts say that by linking agricultural transformation to broader economic planning, Ogun is positioning itself to address unemployment, reduce food imports, and increase domestic food supply, while also preparing its workforce for agribusiness opportunities.
The governor stressed that agriculture in Ogun is no longer confined to traditional subsistence practices, saying that it is, instead, it is being reshaped to attract private sector participation, local enterprise development, and technological innovation that can help farmers scale operations and engage with markets more effectively.
Officials noted that improvements in farm data systems, digital platforms, and farmer registration are already helping to link producers with critical services, credit facilities and extension support — laying the groundwork for a more resilient agricultural economy.
State policymakers believe the focus on agriculture will also strengthen food security, reduce rural poverty and stimulate agro‑industrial linkages through enhanced processing and value‑chain development. END
