The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Igboye community in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State into a modern agricultural hub, as part of its ongoing effort to boost food security, create jobs, and drive rural development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At a formal presentation held in the palace of the Orijeru of Igboye Kingdom, Oba Abdulrasaq Musa, NALDA officials outlined a comprehensive development package designed to provide mechanized farming tools, farmer cooperatives, training, rural road networks, water facilities, and improved security for farmers in the kingdom.
The Orijeru of Igboye, Oba Musa, who received the delegation, commended NALDA for what he described as “a new dawn” for the historic agrarian community. He said the plan signaled a fresh opportunity to harness the community’s rich agricultural potential.
“For decades, our lands have been fertile but underutilized,” the monarch said. “This partnership will change the story of our kingdom. With the right support, Igboye will not only feed Lagos but also contribute significantly to Nigeria’s food security.”
He praised the initiative’s potential to reduce rural-urban migration by providing young people with employment opportunities within the community. “Our youths have been leaving because they see no opportunities here,” Oba Musa said. “This project will give them a reason to stay, to prosper, and to build their futures on the same soil their ancestors tilled, but with the benefit of modern technology and access to markets.”
The monarch also highlighted the importance of rural amenities and security measures included in the plan. “This is not just about crops; it is about creating a safe and productive environment where our people can thrive,” he said. “Rural roads, water facilities, and security for farmers will make our community safer, more connected, and more prosperous.”
Leading the NALDA team, the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs. Chinwe Ozumma, said the project reflects NALDA’s commitment to empowering rural farmers and maximizing the potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“Our goal is to transform rural communities into engines of agricultural productivity,” Mrs. Ozumma explained. “Here in Igboye, we will be introducing mechanized farming techniques, improved seedlings, and irrigation facilities to increase yields. Farmers will be organized into cooperatives so they can share resources, access credit, and sell their produce at better prices.”
She added that NALDA would establish market linkages to prevent post-harvest losses and ensure that the community’s agricultural output feeds into value chains that create jobs locally and across the country.
“This project is not only about production; it is also about value creation,” Mrs. Ozumma said. “We are creating a system where what is grown here will reach processing centers and markets efficiently, providing income and opportunities for everyone in the community.”
On rural infrastructure, she confirmed that the program includes provisions for opening access roads to farms, establishing water facilities for irrigation and domestic use, and integrating security frameworks to protect farmers and their investments.
“Security is a critical part of this plan,” Mrs. Ozumma noted. “Through collaboration with traditional leaders, community vigilantes, and security agencies, we will ensure a safe environment where farmers can work without fear of theft or violence.”
Senior Technical Officer of NALDA, Mr. Olusegun Owolabi, said the implementation would begin with land mapping, farmer registration, and capacity-building workshops. “We are starting with a comprehensive survey to understand the needs of every farmer,” he explained. “Training programs will follow, ensuring that the community is equipped with the knowledge and skills required for modern, profitable farming.”
Although the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project was presented to the monarch during the ceremony, officials clarified that it has not yet been signed, but all discussions are in advanced stages, with physical work scheduled to commence soon.
Prominent community leaders attended the event to show support, including Chief J.A. Otunowo, Oluti of Igboye and Baale of Tilowuro Village; Chief C.O. Ariyo, Baale of Erimope; Chief Onalaja Shakiru, Baale of Ogoigoi; Chief Adebowale Olumide, Baale of Talase/Gbojuwara; Chief Gbemi Onakoya, Baale of Esebute; Chief Toyin Sangosanya, Baale of Oriwu; as well as the Baales of Egan and Oke Egan.
In his closing remarks, Oba Musa called for collective ownership of the project by the community. “This is our project; we must protect it and support it,” he said. “If we work together, the benefits will reach every family, and Igboye will become a model for rural development in Nigeria.”
Mrs. Ozumma reaffirmed NALDA’s commitment to ensuring inclusiveness, saying the initiative would benefit all farmers, regardless of size or scale. “No one will be left behind in this transformation,” she said. “Our mandate is to make sure that every farmer, whether big or small, is part of this journey.”
Once fully operational, the program is expected to generate hundreds of jobs, enhance food supply in Lagos and its environs, and contribute significantly to achieving national targets on food security, job creation, and rural economic growth.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo