Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has disclosed that his administration has secured 26,000 hectares of land in Ose Local Government Area as part of a pilot scheme under the Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land Intensive Agricultural Investment (FRILIA).
The Governor made this known on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, while inaugurating the FRILIA Steering Committee at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure.
He described the move as a landmark effort to boost food security, safeguard community rights, and guarantee fair returns for host communities.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who chairs the Steering Committee, explained that the project was conceived in line with agreements by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum in collaboration with the World Bank and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).
He emphasized that FRILIA would serve as a transparent and community-driven model that balances investor opportunities with local benefits.
“The major objective of this Committee is to ensure an enabling environment that guarantees adequate protection for host communities, ensuring they derive premium returns on their land while supporting national food security goals,” he stated.
The Governor further disclosed that a stakeholders’ engagement involving community members, landowners, tenants, and the Ose Local Government Council had been conducted to ensure inclusivity and community buy-in for the pilot project.
He also revealed that the state government has earmarked N7.5 billion for the agricultural sector to strengthen the initiative.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, in his remarks, described FRILIA as the cornerstone of Ondo’s agricultural and land reform agenda, designed to ensure responsible and transparent land-based investments.
He noted that credible investors, including Fujaik International, had already expressed interest, stressing that the framework would deliver jobs, revenue growth, and sustainable livelihoods.
Mrs. Foluke Tunde-Daramola, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, expressed gratitude to the Governor, noting that Ondo State is already attracting investment and positioning itself as a national model in agricultural land reform.
The event was attended by top government officials, including Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, and members of the State Executive Council.
