Olowu to create 3,000 acres of land for diverse farming

In a bid to alleviate the suffering of his people and encourage food sufficiency among Nigerians, the Olowu of Owu-Abeokuta Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, has announced plans to develop 3,000 acres of land through the Awowo Agro-Business Cooperative for farming activities.

Oba Matemilola explained that the project aims to go beyond farming by establishing a self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem.

“We are providing the necessary infrastructure, such as tractors, irrigation, and power, to ensure that our farmers thrive,” he said.

Speaking during a press briefing to mark the commencement of the week-long Odun Omo Olowu festival, the monarch also announced a free meals initiative targeting 1,000 pupils from three public primary schools in Abeokuta North Local Government Area for the entire academic year to ease economic hardship and reduce the number of out-of-school children.

“Our programmes are open to all, regardless of their origin. What matters is that we uplift humanity, as God’s creation, in every way we can,” the monarch said.

He added that the initiative is designed to increase school enrollment and combat hunger-driven dropouts, with plans to expand the number of beneficiaries to 5,000 pupils in the coming years.

Oba Matemilola said that the programme aims to secure the future of young generations in Owu communities by ensuring that no child is deprived of education due to hunger or financial hardship.

The monarch further disclosed that the Hope Initiative will provide microcredit loans to 200 women to support small-scale businesses, with the goal of increasing the beneficiaries to over 1,000 women within three years.

“The women will be organised into groups of 10-15, with the community band or main band overseeing the loan disbursement process,” he explained.

Oba Matemilola added that the microcredit programme is structured to promote accountability among beneficiaries.

“The group members will serve as guarantors for each other, ensuring that loans are repaid. We believe this will create a sense of responsibility and foster the values of integrity in our community,” he noted.

The monarch also said that the Olowu Hope Initiative extends to healthcare, with plans to enrol 1,000 indigent residents in free health insurance by the end of the year, aiming to reach 5,000 beneficiaries within three years.

“Health screenings will be conducted for pupils, parents, and teachers in schools around the community, while the Olomore Health Center and another primary facility have been adopted to provide primary healthcare services,” he explained.

Chief Adebayo Atobatele, Chairman of the Planning Committee, added that the festival will feature cultural presentations, a fashion show, and the conferment of chieftaincy titles, with cultural displays by the Ogun Cultural Troupe.