The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has inaugurated six impactful projects across the state.
These projects, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the tripartite FGN/NDDC/IFAD-assisted Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project, were established in Mahintedo, Ilaje Local Government Area, and Igedegede, Akoko North-West Local Government Area.
At the cassava processing mill in Mahintedo, Dr. Olayide Adelami, representing the governor, emphasized the transformative nature of the project:
“This is a project that will improve the livelihoods of rural communities. The cassava processing plant, located in the agrarian Mahintedo community, will encourage farmers to grow more cassava by eliminating the challenge of transporting raw and processed produce to markets.
“Remarkably, all the processing machines are locally produced in Nigeria, ensuring they can be easily maintained and replicated across rural areas. IFAD has identified 10 local government areas for similar initiatives. With relatively low costs, we aim to expand to more locations across the country under this World Bank-assisted program.”
Dr. Abiodun Sanni, IFAD’s National Project Coordinator, stated that nine similar projects are ongoing in Ondo State. He highlighted that the selection of agrarian communities like Mahintedo was based on thorough assessments.
“We identified great potential within Mahintedo for agricultural development. This peaceful and industrious community met all criteria, particularly the enthusiasm of its youth to engage in agriculture. We had no choice but to invest in this community,” Sanni explained.
Prince Olawale Ademola, the State Project Coordinator, elaborated on the broader scope of the LIFE-ND program in the state.
“We operate in 100 communities across 10 local government areas in Ondo State. Each community receives tailored projects based on their needs.
For Mahintedo and Igedegede, where cassava farming dominates, the provision of mills aligns with their agricultural focus. These mills will process cassava into garri, pupuru, and other products, boosting productivity and creating jobs.
The initiative directly responds to requests from the communities, particularly their youth and women.”
Ademola also assured sustainability measures, including an Operations and Maintenance Committee, were in place:
“These projects are community-owned, with oversight by the Community Apex Development Association (CADA). The machinery includes peelers, graters, dryers, and washing bays, all designed for efficiency. Additionally, waste-to-wealth systems will convert cassava peelings and starch into valuable byproducts.”
At Igedegede, five projects were inaugurated, including a cassava processing mill, lock-up shops, an aggregation center, a motorized borehole, and a waste-to-wealth facility. Representing the governor, Mrs. Folukemi Tunde-Daramola, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, highlighted the job opportunities these projects would generate:
“These IFAD LIFE-ND projects are creating jobs for youths and other residents. Locally fabricated equipment ensures easy maintenance, further empowering the community. Farmers can now process their cassava locally, resulting in better-quality products and higher market value.”
The governor also inaugurated a solar-powered borehole, an open market store, and additional lock-up shops, emphasizing the importance of patronizing locally produced goods.
“These projects will enhance productivity and contribute to food security by encouraging the production and consumption of Nigerian-made agricultural products,”
Tunde-Daramola added.
IFAD’s National Project Coordinator, Dr. Sanni, praised the progress made in the Akoko zone, describing it as “appreciable.” He expressed satisfaction with the community’s reception of the initiative.
The State Project Coordinator, Prince Ademola, commended the Igedegede community for their exemplary cooperation:
“The people here have demonstrated remarkable support for the LIFE-ND program. They allocated 100 hectares of land for youths engaged as ‘incubatees.’ Their traditional rulers consistently advocate for their community, and the palpable excitement here is a testament to the program’s impact.”
Representatives from the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Finance, NDDC, and the Akala of Ikaram expressed optimism that the facilities would be judiciously used and well-maintained.
IFAD, a specialized United Nations agency, focuses on eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries by financing agricultural development projects, with a particular emphasis on smallholder farmers and vulnerable populations.
