5,000 Kwara households set to benefit from Renewed Hope mega farm project
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
The National Agricultural Land Development Authority Executive Secretary, Cornelius Adebayo, has inspected a 5,000-hectare Renewed Hope Mega Farm located in Ora, an initiative expected to serve not less than 10,000 people in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Speaking shortly after the inspection on Saturday, Adebayo said the project, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is designed to benefit the people of Ora, Ifelodun, and the state at large.
He explained that the 5,000 hectares of land have been cleared, with each farmer allocated five hectares, adding that each participant is expected to engage four to five workers, thereby creating employment opportunities for about 5,000 people and impacting over 10,000 lives.
Furthermore, Adebayo noted that the administration is prioritising agriculture as a strategic means of reaching grassroots communities and boosting economic development.
He added that the farm clusters would be equipped with at least ten tractors, with the number expected to increase as more land is cultivated, while funding support is being provided by the Bank of Agriculture alongside fertiliser interventions.
According to him, the farm estate model is also aimed at addressing insecurity affecting farmers, stressing that food security remains a critical component of national security, with crops such as soybeans targeted for both local and international markets.
Meanwhile, he said ongoing sensitisation efforts are designed to ensure community ownership of the project, noting that Arzikin Noma Africa has been appointed as the anchor to ensure sustainability and continuity.
Earlier, the Group Managing Director of Arzikin Noma Africa, Adeoluwa Adeshola, assured farmers of training and market access, while the Olora of Ora Kingdom, Rilwan Yekini, commended the Federal Government for siting the project in the community, describing it as beneficial to residents and the wider economy.
