The Orijeru of Igboye Kingdom, Oba Abdulrasaq Musa, has hailed the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) for unveiling a transformative plan to turn Igboye, in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, into a modern agricultural hub.
The initiative, presented at the monarch’s palace, is part of NALDA’s broader agenda to boost food production, empower local farmers, create jobs, and provide critical rural amenities, a strategy that officials say aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security and rural development.
Oba Musa, in his opening remarks, described the project as “a new dawn” for the historic agrarian kingdom, noting that it has the potential to unlock economic opportunities that have eluded the community for decades.
“This partnership will change the story of our kingdom,” the monarch said. “For too long, our fertile lands have been underutilized because our farmers lacked modern tools, access roads, and financial support. With NALDA stepping in, Igboye will not only feed Lagos but also play a significant role in feeding Nigeria.”
He said the initiative would provide much-needed opportunities for the kingdom’s youth. “Our young people leave for the city because they see no hope here,” the monarch lamented. “But this project will give them a reason to stay, to build their future on the same soil their ancestors tilled, only this time with technology, training, and real support that can change lives.”
The monarch also highlighted the value of the planned infrastructure and security measures. “This is not just about planting crops,” Oba Musa stressed. “The promise of rural roads, water facilities, and security support for our farmers means we are building a future that is safer, more productive, and more prosperous for all our people.”
In her detailed address, NALDA’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs. Chinwe Ozumma, explained that the project is designed to modernize agriculture in Igboye by introducing mechanized farming techniques, organizing farmers into cooperatives, and providing direct market access and post-harvest processing facilities.
“Our goal,” Mrs. Ozumma said, “is to transform rural communities into engines of productivity. This will not be business as usual. Farmers here will have access to tractors, modern irrigation systems, and improved seedlings. By grouping them into functional cooperatives, they will be able to pool resources, share equipment, and collectively bargain for better prices in the market.”
She explained that the approach is not limited to farming inputs but extends to market development. “We are setting up linkages to off-takers and processors,” she added. “This way, the produce grown here will not be wasted. Instead, it will feed into value chains that create jobs and wealth, both in the community and beyond.”
Mrs. Ozumma also noted that the plan incorporates rural amenities to support agricultural productivity and improve quality of life. “We know that you cannot talk about agriculture without talking about access,” she said. “We will work with relevant agencies to open up rural roads so farmers can transport their produce with ease. There are also plans for water facilities to support irrigation and daily living.”
On the issue of security, she assured residents that NALDA was taking proactive steps to safeguard farmlands and farmers. “Security is an integral part of this project,” she said. “Through collaboration with traditional leaders, local vigilante groups, and security agencies, we will create a safer environment so farmers can work without fear, even in the remotest parts of Igboye.”
This emphasis on safety drew praise from the monarch, who acknowledged that insecurity had been one of the community’s biggest challenges. “The safety of our people is paramount,” Oba Musa said. “Knowing that NALDA is thinking about their security gives them confidence and peace of mind. A farmer who feels safe will plant more, harvest more, and prosper more.”
Also speaking, NALDA Senior Technical Officer, Mr. Olusegun Owolabi, said the program would begin with land preparation and farmer registration while providing technical training to boost productivity. “We will start with baseline surveys to map the land and understand the needs of the farmers,” he said. “Then, we will roll out training sessions to teach improved farming methods that increase yield per hectare.”
Though the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing the collaboration has yet to be signed, discussions are in advanced stages, and officials confirmed that physical implementation will begin in the coming weeks.
The event was graced by several prominent traditional leaders from the Igboye kingdom, 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.
Oba Musa expressed gratitude for their presence and called for unity in supporting the initiative. “This is our project as a people,” he said. “If we stand together, work together, and support NALDA, this community will rise to heights we never imagined.”
Mrs. Ozumma reaffirmed NALDA’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the program reach every part of the community. “This is about inclusiveness,” she said. “Every farmer, whether big or small, will have an opportunity to be part of this transformation. It is our hope that Igboye will soon become a model of what rural agricultural development should look like in Nigeria.”
Once fully operational, the initiative is expected to create hundreds of jobs, enhance food security in Lagos State, and establish Igboye as a key contributor to Nigeria’s agricultural production.