Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state has commissioned a palm oil and palm kernel production factory established by Lo Choches Nigeria Limited in Akure.
The fully integrated, end-to-end facility, with a production capacity of 5,000 litres per day, is located along Irese Road in Akure, the state capital. It operates a complete value chain, ensuring maximum utilisation of every component of the oil palm.
Beyond the extraction of high-quality crude palm oil and palm kernel oil, the plant processes and converts all by-products into valuable outputs.
Speaking at the official commissioning ceremony on Friday, the governor underscored the importance of local production facilities in driving economic growth and industrial development in the state.
Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, Governor Aiyedatiwa said his administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to thrive.
“This factory will do more than produce palm oil and palm kernel. It will create employment opportunities for our youths, stimulate ancillary businesses, support local farmers, reduce dependence on external supplies, and contribute meaningfully to our Internally Generated Revenue,” the governor said.
He stressed that sustainable business growth can only flourish in a stable and secure environment, noting that his administration has taken deliberate steps to strengthen security architecture across the state and deepen community policing.
Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the management of Lo Choches Nigeria Limited for their confidence in Ondo state and for engaging local skills in various aspects of the factory’s operations.
In his introductory remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Lo Choches Nigeria Limited, Lateef Audu, said the decision to establish the factory was driven by his passion for agriculture and his firm belief that Nigeria must embrace a production-based economy.
He expressed appreciation to the Ondo state government for fostering a business-friendly environment and for its consistent support for entrepreneurship.
Also speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs and Youth Advocate, Oluyemi Fasipe, urged entrepreneurs in the diaspora to invest in Ondo state, describing it as one of the most investor-friendly states in Nigeria.
Fasipe applauded Lo Choches Nigeria Limited for siting the project in Ondo state, noting that the investment would boost investor confidence and generate employment opportunities for young people in the state.
The highlight of the event was a guided tour of the facility, during which the lead engineer explained the production process and operational capacity of the installed machinery.
John Paul Akinduro
Press Secretary to Ondo State Governor
(Office of the Deputy Governor)
January 9, 2026
