The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has inaugurated six new agro-based facilities in Ondo State.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote food security, create employment opportunities, and support rural communities.
The projects, which are expected to have a significant positive impact on the state’s agricultural landscape, aim to enhance productivity and provide sustainable livelihoods for local residents.
The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Olayide Adelami, officially inaugurated the first project of the six scheduled for the two-day commissioning ceremony. A cassava processing mill, equipped with locally made operational equipment, was unveiled as a major highlight of the event. In his speech, Adelami explained that the new facility would help reduce the labor-intensive process of transporting raw, unprocessed cassava to the market, making it easier for farmers to process and sell their produce more efficiently.
Among the projects launched include an aggregation centre, open market stalls, a cassava processing mill, a waste-to-wealth building centre, and a water project. These initiatives are designed to improve the livelihoods of rural dwellers and enhance their access to essential services and resources.
One of the beneficiaries, Sunday Jacob, shared his experience with the initiative, noting that IFAD has been a consistent source of support for him since he became involved in the program.
“IFAD has been supporting me ever since I joined this programme. I am truly grateful for this opportunity. The impact of these projects on my life and others in the community is immeasurable,” Jacob said.
The Akala of Ikaram, Oba Andrew Momodu, also expressed his excitement, describing the event as a life-changing moment for the community.
“This is a historical moment for us. The projects launched today will forever change the lives of many people in our community, especially the youth who will now have better opportunities for growth and development,” the monarch said.
Foluke Tunde Daramola, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the enthusiasm of the local community towards the newly inaugurated projects.
“The people are extremely happy. This is exactly what we needed. These projects will not only improve the local economy, but they will also provide sustainable opportunities for our rural population,” she said.
Abiodun Sanni, the National Coordinator of the FGN IFAD LIFE ND Projects, shared his optimism for the future, stating that these initiatives will foster wealth creation and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s food security agenda.
“We are hopeful that these projects will not only create wealth for the people but will also support the government’s goal of achieving food security for the nation. It’s a step in the right direction towards ensuring that Nigerians are empowered to become self-sufficient in food production,” Sanni remarked.
Bukar Musa, the Director of Projects at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the importance of implementing projects that have a direct impact on the community, especially youth.
“We are focused on projects that will touch the lives of the people, particularly the younger generation. By providing them with the necessary tools and resources, we are enabling them to take charge of their own futures,” he said.
As part of the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting women, the IFAD LIFE ND Project also distributed bags of rice, vegetable oil, and seasoning to women in the community.