By Peace Udugba
The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with Agbeyewa Farms to boost large-scale food production, youth employment, and rural economic development in Nigeria.
As part of the engagement, the management team of Agbeyewa Farms undertook a facility tour of the NALDA Farm Estate located in Oke-Ako Community, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State. The estate spans about 1,200 hectares of farmland earmarked for cultivation under the ongoing partnership arrangement.
The visit followed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NALDA and Agbeyewa Farms in Abuja in November 2025. The agreement covers the development and management of the 1,200-hectare farmland, with Agbeyewa Farms serving as the anchor operator of the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estate in Ekiti State.
Under the partnership, Agbeyewa Farms is expected to lead operations within the agricultural hub, driving mechanised farming, value chain development, and job creation across host communities. So far, over 600 hectares of land have been cleared in preparation for the next phase of expansion.
Speaking during the visit, the Ekiti State Coordinator of NALDA, Mr. Olusegun Ayeni, said the initiative reflects the agency’s mandate to unlock agricultural land and collaborate with investors capable of scaling productivity.
“This initiative reflects NALDA’s mandate to open up agricultural land and partner with serious investors who can drive productivity at scale. Our collaboration with Agbeyewa Farms is a clear example of how strategic partnerships can translate into tangible agricultural development on the ground,” he said.
In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Seyi Oska Aiyeleso, speaking on behalf of the Chairman, Mr. Niyi John Olajide, commended the Executive Secretary of NALDA, Mr. Cornelius Olusegun Adebayo, for advancing public–private partnerships in Ekiti State and across Nigeria.
He said the collaboration would continue to strengthen long-term cooperation between the public and private sectors in driving agricultural transformation.
During the inspection, both parties also reviewed security arrangements within the operational corridor, stressing the need to enhance protection for personnel, infrastructure, and investments on the estate. They further assessed ongoing infrastructure projects, including hostel facilities for workers and other support structures under construction, as well as additional mechanised systems being deployed to improve productivity and efficiency.
The partnership is expected to further strengthen cassava value chain development, expand mechanised farming, and promote inclusive rural prosperity across Ekiti State and beyond.
