Ondo Set to Tackle Food Security Challenges Through Partnership with NALDA
By Exponent News, Akure | July 9, 2025
In a strategic move aimed at transforming the agricultural landscape of Ondo State, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has announced plans to collaborate with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to promote mechanised farming and revitalize existing farm settlements across the state.
The Governor made this known on Monday while receiving a delegation from NALDA, led by the Ondo State Coordinator, Chief Olusola Ayandokun, at his office in Akure.
During the courtesy visit, Governor Aiyedatiwa identified land clearing as one of the major constraints discouraging young people and farmers from engaging in large-scale agriculture. He expressed optimism that the partnership with NALDA, whose mandate includes land development and preparation, would help overcome this barrier and unlock the vast agricultural potential of the state.
“One of the major challenges for farmers going into mechanised agriculture is land clearing, which is capital-intensive. I understand this is one of NALDA’s core mandates, and I see great opportunities in working together,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He further stated that with land clearing out of the way, many youths would be more willing to take up farming as a viable and sustainable venture. The Governor also lauded NALDA’s integrated farm estate model, noting that Ondo already has existing farm settlements that can be revived for similar purposes.
The Governor expressed particular interest in using the collaboration to boost animal husbandry, especially in the rearing of goats and rabbits, areas where the state has natural advantages.
In his remarks, Chief Olusola Ayandokun reaffirmed NALDA’s commitment to supporting the state’s agricultural vision. He explained that the agency, which has been rejuvenated under the current federal administration, is focused on enhancing food security, youth empowerment, and strengthening the agricultural value chain.
“NALDA is not only about land clearing and allocation but also about establishing integrated farm estates, supporting animal husbandry, providing inputs, and empowering youth and women through training,” Ayandokun explained.
He identified areas like Ile-Oluji farm settlement as prime locations for pilot projects and noted that land has already been earmarked for such initiatives. He also encouraged every household to adopt backyard farming practices to improve food security from the grassroots level.
Present at the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agric and Agric-Business, Mr. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola.
