The Osun State Government and Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) are forging a strategic partnership to advance agricultural practices and strengthen food security across the southwest region.
During a meeting held at the Governor’s Office in Abere, the Group Chairman of OICL, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, revealed that the company has amassed a 30,000-hectare agricultural land bank across Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, and Oyo States.
He called on Osun State to contribute by allocating land to support Odu’a’s agribusiness expansion.
“The company owned collectively by the six Southwest States remains committed to its mandate of driving economic prosperity for our shareholder states through strategic investments and partnerships,” Ashiru stated.
He emphasized two key areas of collaboration: mining and agriculture. On mining, he disclosed the formation of a Special Purpose Company, SouthWest Resources Limited (SWRL), aimed at facilitating planned investments, and requested government support in securing mining licenses and consents.
Turning to agriculture, Ashiru stressed Osun’s potential: “In agriculture, we recognise Osun State’s rich agrarian potential. OICL is keen to drive commercial agricultural initiatives through strategic investments in value-chain developments, ranging from crop production to processing and export.”
He appealed for land allocation to enable Odu’a’s agribusiness ventures, adding: “To this end, we humbly seek Your Excellency’s support in the allocation of portions of the State’s agricultural land bank. We envision projects that will boost food security, promote agro-industrialization, empower local farmers, and significantly contribute to rural development.”
In response, Governor Ademola Adeleke welcomed the proposal and assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to assess viable opportunities.
“We will take necessary action for Osun to take her rightful place in terms of equity participation among others,” the governor said.
The collaboration marks a renewed effort to leverage regional assets for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
