By Salifu Faridat
Ogun State, known for its dedication to agricultural advancement, is embarking on a bold trajectory by unveiling plans to establish an expansive 20,000-hectare rice plantation.
Governor Dapo Abiodun has unveiled this visionary initiative, poised to make substantial strides in bolstering rice production.
The announcement took place during the inauguration of the initial phase of the 21-kilometer Iboro-Imasayi-Ayetoro road in the Yewa North Local Government Area on a Wednesday, adding a new layer to Nigeria’s deep-rooted affinity for rice, a cherished staple that graces tables across homes, social events, eateries, and cultural festivities.
Nigeria, a nation with a diverse spectrum of rice farmers, ranging from subsistence to commercial cultivators, has long held rice as a significant dietary cornerstone.
While commercial growers command vast acreages for rice cultivation, those practicing subsistence farming find smaller plots sufficient for their needs.
The heart of this transformative endeavor lies in the establishment of a monumental 20,000-hectare rice plantation, strategically located in the Yewa North and Imeko-Afon Local Government Areas.
This pioneering rice farm is positioned to hold the distinction of being the largest of its kind in Nigeria.
Governor Abiodun, eager to champion this transformative agricultural landscape, sees an opportunity to amplify Nigeria’s contribution to the global rice market.
The expansive plantation, once realized, is projected to not only enhance the nation’s food security but also elevate Ogun State’s status as the epicenter of rice production within Nigeria.
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This venture beckons local and foreign investors who have demonstrated keen interest in participating in this groundbreaking initiative.
Collaborations are set to merge resources and expertise, infusing vitality into the project’s scope and scale.
Governor Abiodun emphasizes the pivotal role traditional rulers hold in materializing this grand ambition.
He has called upon Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro, to rally the traditional leadership in the region. The vision: secure an expanse of approximately 20,000 hectares to pave the way for Ogun State’s ascension to the helm of rice production.
Governor Abiodun’s strategic approach involves nurturing an investor-friendly environment, avoiding direct injection of funds into the project.
This not only promises a remarkable transformation of Ogun State’s agricultural sector but also stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to innovation and progress.
The forthcoming rice development and processing center, backed by committed investors, is set to unfold within the next two weeks, showcasing the administration’s resolve to engineer a lasting legacy.
As Ogun State ushers in a new era of agro-industrial advancement, the prospective rice plantation paints a promising picture of a future rich in both agricultural promise and prosperity.
This expansive rice landscape encapsulates Ogun State’s aspirations, highlighting its unwavering dedication to reshaping Nigeria’s agricultural narrative.
With the audacious 20,000-hectare rice plantation at its forefront, Ogun State steps confidently into a new chapter of agricultural excellence.
