The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Eng. Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo, at the weekend said that over 10,000 Kwarans would be directly affected by the Federal Government’s ongoing Renewed Hope Mega farm estate in Ora community in Ifelodun local government, in Kwara State.

He hinted that 5,000 hectares of land were acquired and cleared for the multi-million naira project that would be accomplished in phases.

Fielding questions from newsmen after the tour of the project, Adebayo said that 5,000 farmers are being targeted in the projected initiative expected to boost logistics, trading, and other support services within and around the community.

He said the Federal Government’s plan and target is to affect over 10, 000 lives in the area, disclosing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the project for the community “because he believes that the best way to reach people is through agriculture and that’s why the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu systematically invested in supporting agriculture,” he said.

According to the NALDA boss, the federal government targets the clusterzation of farmers so as to create an ecosystem, and to also address insecurity by bringing farmers into a coordinated and protected environment, rather than leaving them to operate in isolated locations.

With support from the military, police, and local vigilante groups, alongside planned surveillance systems, he assured that farmers will be better protected.

Adebayo hinted that the farm estate model would create clusterisation of farmers that would ensure their security, “we understand that in rural areas, farm model is an answer to insecurity challenge our farmers often face,” he said.

He said the project reflects Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing agriculture as a key driver of economic growth. He noted that the administration is focused on modernizing farming and making the sector more attractive to young Nigerians.

Responding to concerns about farmers outside the scheme, officials described the Olora project as a pilot phase that will be expanded once it proves successful. They emphasized that the long-term goal is to replicate the model across other parts of the country.

According to Adebayo, community participation is also key to the project’s success, hence the earlier stakeholders sensitisation meeting before the tour of the ongoing project.

“Traditional leaders, local authorities, and residents are expected to take ownership by monitoring progress and ensuring transparency to be aided by a development structure to ensure that part of the project’s benefits is reinvested into community needs.

“Private sector involvement also forms a critical part of the initiative, with an agribusiness firm appointed to coordinate farming activities, provide inputs, and manage output. Mechanization support, including tractors and other equipment, will also be provided under a structured system designed to ensure sustainability,” he said.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Ora, Oba Rilwan Aremu Yekini, appreciated the federal government and stakeholders’ contributions to the citing of the project in uis domain, assuring all of its safety.

He described it as a landmark development that would position the community as a model for others to follow.