Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed readiness to partner with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to drive mechanised farming and improve food security across the state.
Speaking on Monday during a courtesy visit by NALDA officials led by the agency’s Ondo State Coordinator, Chief Olusola Ayandokun, Aiyedatiwa said land clearing remains one of the biggest obstacles hindering large-scale farming, especially among the youth.
“One of the major costs discouraging farmers from mechanised farming is land clearing,” the governor noted. “I understand this is one of NALDA’s core mandates, and that’s encouraging because it aligns directly with our agricultural development agenda.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that clearing this bottleneck would significantly increase youth participation in farming and support the state’s vision for food sufficiency. He also praised NALDA’s integrated farm estate model, already operational in some states, and pointed out that Ondo had similar farm settlements that could be revitalized through federal collaboration.
The governor added that his administration was committed to revamping agricultural infrastructure and attracting investment into the sector through strategic partnerships.
In his remarks, Chief Ayandokun reaffirmed NALDA’s commitment to supporting Ondo’s agricultural transformation. He said the federal agency is focused on opening up new farmlands, empowering youth and women, and boosting agricultural productivity across Nigeria.
“The mandate of NALDA includes land clearing, allocation to farmers, provision of inputs, establishment of integrated farm estates, livestock development, and capacity building,” Ayandokun said.
The visit signals a renewed partnership between the federal and state governments to harness Ondo State’s vast agricultural potential, stimulate rural economies, and ensure long-term food sustainability.
