The Ondo State Government has taken a bold step towards youth empowerment and food security by partnering with AgroMall Discovery and Extension Ltd to implement The Agricultural Option (TAO) across three state-owned tertiary institutions.
It would be recalled, that the formal agreement was sealed on Friday, March 21, 2025, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Mr. Niyi Ojuolape (Chairman, TAO Initiative) and Mr. Femi Adeniyi (CEO/MD, AgroMall), on behalf of the initiative, while the Ondo State Government was represented by the Se to the State Government, SSG, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti and the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo SAN.
Under this partnership, the TAO programme will be implemented in:
Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAU-Akungba), Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa (OAUST-Okitipupa) and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO-Owo)
Following the MoU signing, Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa convened a high-level TAO take-off meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Akure.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including: The Vice Chancellors and Rector of the participating institutions; AgroMall officials; Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti (SSG); Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN (Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice) and Mrs. Omowumi Isaac (Commissioner for Finance).
Governor Ayedatiwa described The Agricultural Option as a “game-changer” that will revolutionise youth participation in agriculture while fostering economic empowerment and large-scale food production in the state.
The TAO Initiative is a cutting-edge agribusiness programme designed to integrate students into modern, commercially viable farming.
“It provides hands-on experience, financial support, and access to technology-driven agricultural solutions, positioning agriculture as an attractive and profitable career path for young Nigerians.
With the MoU signed and the full backing of the Ondo State Government, TAO is set to transform the state into a hub for youth-led agricultural innovation.
Implementation is set to begin immediately in the three institutions, with AgroMall providing technical expertise, funding, and market access to ensure the project’s long-term success.
