To tackle food insecurity and rural unemployment, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority has commissioned a 5,000-hectare farm estate in Ora, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, with projections to directly and indirectly impact about 10,000 livelihoods.
Speaking during the launch of the project, the Executive Secretary of NALDA, Cornelius Adebayo, said the initiative forms part of a broader national strategy under the administration of President Bola Tinubu to boost food production, create jobs, and curb insecurity through agriculture.
Adebayo explained that the farm estate model, which clusters farmers within a secured and structured environment, is designed to enhance productivity while addressing safety concerns that have discouraged farming in many rural communities.
According to him, the 5,000 hectares will be allocated in parcels of five hectares per farmer, with each beneficiary expected to employ between four and five workers.
“Mr. President has approved this laudable project for the people of Kwara. We are looking at clearing 5,000 hectares, and each farmer will get five hectares. Each farmer is expected to engage about four to five people, which translates to about 5,000 direct jobs.
“In addition, there will be service providers in logistics, trading, and other support services. Altogether, we are targeting about 10,000 people to benefit from this initiative”, he said.
He added that the authority would deploy mechanised support, including tractors, to ensure efficiency and ease of operations for participating farmers. “For now, we are starting with about 10 tractors, but the number will grow as the project expands”, Adebayo noted.
The NALDA boss stressed that the clustering model would also improve access to financing and monitoring, while enhancing coordination with security agencies to protect farmers and agricultural investments.
“Insecurity can be better addressed when farmers operate in clusters rather than in isolation. It becomes easier to provide security, financing, and extension services. This model is a direct response to the challenges farmers face across the country”, he added.
Adebayo disclosed that similar farm estates were being developed in other states, including Ekiti, Bauchi, and Plateau, as part of a nationwide rollout.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Femi Yusuf, described the project as transformative, urging residents to take ownership and fully participate.
“This is a visionary project that has involved all stakeholders from the beginning. I encourage our people to key into it and make the most of the opportunities it offers”, Yusuf said.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would also help reduce insecurity in the area by engaging youths productively.
On his part, the Olora of Ora, Oba Aremu Ridwan, welcomed the development, describing it as a major boost for the local economy.
The monarch, however, appealed to the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation of access roads to the community to ease the transportation of farm produce.
“We are grateful for this project, but we also need good roads to support it. This will ensure smooth movement of goods and maximise the benefits of the initiative”, he stated.
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