The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has commenced a large-scale agricultural initiative aimed at transforming rural economies, increasing food production, and addressing insecurity across Nigeria.
The agency disclosed that it has secured 5,000 hectares of land in Ora community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, under the Renewed Hope Mega Farming Programme, designed to drive grassroots agricultural development.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement in the community, the Executive Secretary of NALDA, Engr. Segun Cornelius Adebayo, said the project represents a strategic intervention to enhance food security while creating sustainable livelihoods.
He noted that the mega farm estate, described as the first of its kind in the country, will feature critical infrastructure including hostels, administrative buildings, warehouses, and gatehouses to support large-scale farming operations.
Adebayo explained that the initiative will allocate five hectares of land to each participating farmer, with each expected to engage four to five additional workers, thereby creating employment for about 5,000 individuals and positively impacting up to 10,000 people.
He added that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to reaching rural communities through agriculture, emphasizing that food security remains a key pillar of national stability.
According to him, the farm clusters will be equipped with a minimum of 10 tractors, with plans for expansion as more land is cleared, while financial and input support will be provided through partnerships with institutions such as the Bank of Agriculture.
Describing the farm estate model as a practical solution to insecurity, Adebayo stressed that productive engagement of rural populations in agriculture would significantly reduce vulnerability to unrest.
He further revealed that soybean production for both local consumption and export markets will be a major focus of the project, adding that Arzikin Noma has been appointed as the project’s anchor to ensure sustainability and continuity.
Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of Arzikin Noma Africa, High Chief Adeoluwa Adeshola, said the organisation will provide farmers with training on best agronomic practices, including planting seasons and fertilizer application, while also guaranteeing market access for their produce.
In his response, the Olora of Ora Kingdom, Oba Rilwan Yekini, commended the Federal Government for siting the project in the community, expressing confidence that it would deliver significant economic benefits to residents.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Alhaji AbdulRasheed Yusuf, described the initiative as a timely intervention to address insecurity in the area, noting that vast stretches of unutilized land had contributed to security challenges.
He maintained that the mega farm project would help bring such lands into productive use while fostering stability and development within the local government.
