Ogun State Joins Rice-Producing States in Nigeria, Promising Affordable Food and Job Creation
The southeastern state of Ogun in Nigeria has become the latest addition to the league of rice-producing states in the country. The Ogun State Economic Transformation Project, supported by the World Bank, has achieved a major milestone with the harvesting of 200 hectares of farmland at the Magboro Rice Farm in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.
Governor Dapo Abiodun was present at the flag-off ceremony and emphasized the importance of the project, which is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods in the communities. The governor noted that the farm is made up of mainly women and youths from all parts of the country, allocated one hectare of farmland each. The project has already yielded promising results, with the farm producing a whopping 20,000 bags of milled rice per cycle, valued at over N1 billion.
Abiodun expressed optimism that the project has the potential to feed the rest of the country, and plans are underway to scale up the operation from 200 to 2,000 hectares. This increased production would translate to a revenue of N30 billion and help the state achieve its goal of becoming the food basket of Nigeria.
The project is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to eradicating poverty and hunger by providing affordable food to Nigerians. The initiative also aims to address animal husbandry and has received the support of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, who emphasized its alignment with the state’s agricultural policy of ensuring food sufficiency for its people.
In addition to the economic benefits, the project has also received praise for its potential impact on the lives of citizens. Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odunsi, the Project Coordinator, noted that the initiative would positively affect citizens across all sectors, appreciating Governor Abiodun for his support.
The Olu of Magboro, Oba Modiu Alalade, also commended the project, highlighting the town’s available farmland to accommodate more farmers and produce sufficient food for the country. With its promising start, the Ogun State Rice Farm project is set to make a significant contribution to Nigeria’s food security and economic development.
