By Adedotun Ajayi

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding agribusiness across the state, pledging sustained support for investors in the sector.

The governor, on Thursday, visited JB Farms Limited in Ore, the largest agricultural plantation in the state, where he commended the company’s massive investment in agriculture. He also toured SAO Agro Farms in Ajue, another key player in oil palm cultivation.

During his visit to JB Farms, Aiyedatiwa expressed admiration for the transformation of the once-dense forest into a thriving agricultural enterprise, highlighting the farm’s extensive infrastructure and economic impact. He described the company’s investment as remarkable, particularly with the ongoing construction of a modern palm oil processing mill expected to be operational next year.

“This is the biggest plantation I have ever seen. It used to be a thick forest, but it has now been turned into a productive venture,” the governor said. “Beyond the palm plantation, the extensive infrastructure development here is commendable. This is a huge investment that deserves all the support it can get.”

He further noted that JB Farms employs about 5,000 workers across different local government areas of the state, reinforcing the company’s contribution to job creation and economic development.

The Chief Executive Officer of JB Farms, Ajibola Adebutu, disclosed that the company had cleared 7,500 hectares of land since its inception in 2021, with 5,000 hectares already cultivated. He also underscored the importance of the processing mill, which, at full capacity, will process 800 tonnes of palm fruits daily, yielding about 160 tonnes of palm oil.

“This place used to be a den of kidnappers and armed robbers five to six years ago,” Adebutu revealed. “But today, crime has reduced significantly as many of those who once engaged in criminal activities now have legitimate jobs here.”

At SAO Agro Farms in Ajue, Governor Aiyedatiwa reassured local farmers of the state government’s commitment to ensuring a balance between large-scale and smallholder farming. He also hinted at plans to convert parts of the state’s forests into productive farmlands to further boost agricultural activities.

As a symbolic gesture of his support, the governor planted a palm tree at SAO Agro Farms, reinforcing his administration’s dedication to agribusiness expansion in Ondo State.