The Director-General of Opomulero Group/Movement, Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael, has commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for adopting a 203-ward agricultural development strategy aimed at transforming farming, promoting processing, creating employment and opening Ondo State to global markets.

According to him, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s vision demonstrates a clear understanding that agricultural development must begin at the grassroots, where farmers live and production takes place, rather than remain limited to government offices and policy documents.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa is thinking beyond ordinary farming. He is building a comprehensive agricultural economy that connects production with processing, technology, financing, infrastructure and international markets.

“Targeting all 203 political wards based on their individual agricultural strengths is a practical approach to development. Cocoa-producing communities cannot have the same needs as fishing, cassava, oil palm or livestock-producing communities. This ward-based strategy creates room for targeted interventions and better results,” he stated.

FROM FARMING TO PROCESSING: AIYEDATIWA’S ECONOMIC VISION

The Opomulero DG noted that the governor’s emphasis on value addition could help retain more economic value within Ondo State while creating opportunities for young people, farmers, entrepreneurs and investors.

He said the state must move beyond the traditional practice of producing and selling raw commodities, stressing that cocoa, cassava, fisheries and other agricultural products could support thriving industries when supported by appropriate infrastructure and investment.

“Why should Ondo produce agricultural commodities only for other states and countries to process and profit from them? Governor Aiyedatiwa is saying that we must process more of what we produce here, create jobs for our people and ensure that our agricultural wealth contributes directly to the state’s economic development.

“This is the kind of thinking that can connect agriculture with industrialisation and youth employment,” he said.

203 WARDS, LOCAL FARMERS AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Hon. Olakunori commended the administration’s focus on communal and cluster farming, noting that collaboration among farmers can improve access to mechanisation, technology, finance, extension services and processing facilities.

He further welcomed the governor’s call for investors who would create jobs, introduce technology, build skills and support farmers instead of merely acquiring land or purchasing raw agricultural products.

“Investors should come to Ondo State to build businesses that benefit both the people and the economy. We need investment that creates sustainable employment, strengthens local farmers and establishes processing industries.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s message at the FirstBank Agric and Export Expo is clear: Ondo State is open for productive investment, but development must produce tangible value for our people,” he added.

COCOA, EUDR COMPLIANCE AND GLOBAL MARKET ACCESS

The DG also praised the governor’s attention to international agricultural standards, particularly the establishment of a strategic committee on compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation.

He described traceability and proper mapping of farms as important considerations for farmers and exporters seeking to maintain access to international markets.

He said the distribution of more than two million cocoa seedlings, alongside other agricultural interventions, showed the importance of strengthening the foundation of agricultural production while developing downstream industries.

AIYEDATIWA IS BUILDING A DEVELOPMENT AGENDA THAT REACHES THE GRASSROOTS

Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael urged the people of Ondo State, agricultural stakeholders and potential investors to support initiatives that promote sustainable production and economic opportunities.

He further stated that rural roads, security, electricity, water, storage and logistics would remain important to the success of the agricultural programme.

“Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is demonstrating that agriculture must be treated as business, industry and a source of employment. The 203-ward agricultural programme provides a framework for identifying local opportunities and directing interventions where they are needed.

“As DG Opomulero, I commend His Excellency for placing agriculture, value addition and job creation at the centre of his development vision. Ondo State must not only produce agricultural wealth; we must process it, commercialise it and ensure that our people benefit from it.”

Signed:

Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael

Director-General, Opomulero Group/Movement