.In a significant move to boost agricultural development in Southwest Nigeria, the South West Agricultural Company Limited (SWAgCo), the agribusiness subsidiary of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) in collaboration with the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has launched a support initiative targeting over 100 smallholder maize farmers at the Odu’a Agro Industrial Hub in Oke-Ako Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The flag off ceremony, which took place yesterday at the Odu’a Agro-Industrial Hub in Oke-Ako, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State was graced by His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, alongside traditional rulers, government officials, and key stakeholders from the agricultural sector.
The project, titled ‘Sustainable Development of Maize Micro-Enterprise Farmers in Ekiti State is aimed to enhance maize productivity, improve access to quality inputs and extension services and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
The project is being implemented by Westlink Integrated Agriculture Limited, the operating subsidiary of SWAgCo limited.
Speaking at the event, His Excellency Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo appreciated the move as timely and transformative stating that “The initiative aligns perfectly with the administration’s vision to empower farmers and drive inclusive economic growth. He commended the Odu’a Investment, BATNF and SWAgCo for bringing this vision to reality at Oke-Ako.
He noted that Ekiti state is open for business especially in agribusiness where the combination of fertile land, hardworking farmers, supportive government policies and an array of Agriculture offering tertiary institutions creates as an ideal conditions for agribusiness to thrive.
The Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company, Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa, said that the project is a manifestion of OICL’s commitment to strategic partnerships that deliver impact. “This maize cultivation initiative, in partnership with the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), is a shining example of what can be achieved when strong institutions work together with purposeful partners. This hub at Oke- Ako Ekiti will be more than a production site. It is a platform designed to bring together actors across the agricultural value chain: from land development and input suppliers to mechanization, processing, storage, and logistics services.
According to him, It will foster inclusive growth, unlock job opportunities for our youth and women, and stimulate local economic development.
He also positioned the project within OICL’s broader commitment to regional development saying “This project represents our dedication to investing in ventures that unlock socio-economic value across the Southwest region.
Chairman of SWAgCo, Mr. Owolabi Salami reiterated SWAgCo’s mission to scale sustainable agricultural development. According to him, SWAgCo was established to serve as a catalyst for agro-industrial transformation and supporting these 100 maize farmers is just one step in our broader mission to reposition agriculture as a commercially viable and youth-inclusive sector,”
Mr. Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATNF, spoke on the Foundation’s role in supporting small holder farmers in rural communities. He noted that “the project reflects our core belief that smallholder farmers are not just beneficiaries of development; they are key drivers of it. He said that BATNF is committed to empowering rural communities with tools, training, and technologies need to thrive.
OICL Group Independent Director and member of the BATNF Technical committee, Mrs. Folusho Olaniyan, OON, added that beyond productivity, the project is about restoring dignity to farming. “This is about giving farmers a reason to stay on the land, believe in their work, and to pass that hope on to the next generation. Chief Segun Ojo, a Group Director in Odu’a also laid credence to the fact that Odu’a through SwagCo is doing the right thing and seeing it launched in Oke Ako is a moment of profound pride.
One of the beneficiaries, Oloye Olukotun, a farmer from Oke-Ako, expressed his gratitude: “We are delighted by the project, we will give our all to ensure it succeeds.” he enthused.
The initiative will directly benefit 100 smallholder maize farmers in and around Oke-Ako, providing them with Improved maize seed varieties for enhanced yield and climate resilience, Comprehensive agronomic training and extension services and community-driven support structures for sustainable impact.
Present at the event included the OICL Board Members: Mr. Segun Olujobi, and Otunba Lai Oriowo, SWAgCo Director, Mr. Adetunji Adeola and Dr. Theo Onadeko, Managing Director. Traditional rulers including the Regent of Oke-Ako, HRH Princess Tinuade Ogunbiyi and representatives from the Ekiti State University graces the occasion.
