In a country where agriculture holds immense potential as a catalyst for sustainable development, Assetrise Limited, led by Mr. Rotimi Ojamamoye, is forging transformative partnerships with the governments of Osun, Enugu, and Abia States to drive impactful change. These collaborations reflect a bold commitment to addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges —food insecurity, unemployment, and rural underdevelopment—while setting a new standard for agricultural innovation and economic growth.
From the development of a 150-acre oil palm plantation in Osun, empowering women and youth through agriculture, to the rollout of the Agro Smart City model in Enugu and Abia spanning over 17,000 hectares of land, these initiatives are aligned with the developmental goals of each state. Together, these projects will generate thousands of jobs, strengthen food production systems, and catalyze economic growth, creating a ripple effect that benefits local communities and strengthens Nigeria’s position as a global agricultural hub.
This blog explores how these strategic partnerships are reshaping the agricultural landscape, highlighting the unique contributions of each state and the shared vision of a future defined by innovation, opportunity, and sustainability.
Osun State: Championing Agricultural Innovation Through Visionary Leadership and Strategic Partnerships
Osun State stands as a beacon of innovation in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development. Through innovative governance and people-focused policies, the state witnessed significant progress in economic stability, infrastructure, and agricultural reform under successive administrations. From the transformative strides of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola to the dynamic leadership of current Governor Ademola Adeleke, Osun has consistently prioritized initiatives that uplift its citizens and harness its vast potential. Notably, Osun emerged as one of the most peaceful and economically stable states in Nigeria, with an emphasis on maximizing its comparative advantages in agriculture, tourism, and mining.
Osun’s socio-economic growth under Governor Adegboyega Oyetola was driven by strategic reforms. Despite inheriting substantial economic challenges, his administration prioritized fiscal responsibility, reducing the state’s inherited debt by ₦97 billion and leaving ₦14 billion in the coffers without accruing additional borrowing. He also launched initiatives to diversify the economy, focusing on agribusiness and youth empowerment. Programs like the Youth Policy Document and capacity-building initiatives were introduced to reduce unemployment and promote inclusive growth. Additionally, investments in infrastructure further positioned Osun as a model for sustainable development while enhancing its agricultural potential to become a leading food basket in Nigeria.
As the wife of the former governor and now the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola has been a formidable advocate for community empowerment and agricultural development. Her passion for uplifting women and children has been the driving force behind her impactful initiatives, which address critical issues such as economic inequality, food security, and access to education. Through her leadership and advocacy, she has spearheaded programs that have transformed lives across Osun State, particularly for underserved populations. Such initiatives include:
1. Women in Agriculture Empowerment Programs: Mrs. Oyetola launched and expanded a women-focused agricultural empowerment scheme under the Ilerioluwa Development Initiative (IDI). This program:
- Distributed vegetable seeds, cassava stems, cashew plants, cocoa seedlings, chicks, and poultry feeds to rural women farmers.
- Provided training on modern farming techniques and effective agricultural management.
- Introduced a revolving loan scheme to support farm preparation and boost agricultural productivity, enabling beneficiaries to sustain and expand their farming operations.
2. Promoting Gender Inclusion in Agriculture: Mrs. Oyetola’s programs were tailored to integrate women into key agricultural value chains. Her work empowered over 500 female farmers with tools and inputs, ensuring they had access to resources typically out of reach for women in rural communities. This advocacy for gender inclusion strengthened the role of women in Osun’s agricultural sector.
3. Social Welfare and Healthcare Initiatives: Beyond agriculture, Mrs. Oyetola was committed to community well-being. Through the IDI, she organized free medical surgeries for over 100 residents, provided healthcare resources, and supported vulnerable groups, including widows and orphans.
4. Building Partnerships: Mrs. Oyetola collaborated with organizations like Access Bank, the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), and Agrik Matas to secure resources for her agricultural programs. These partnerships amplified the reach and sustainability of her initiatives which have directly addressed food security concerns by equipping farmers with the resources needed to increase yields and reduce reliance on external food sources. These efforts helped improve household food sufficiency and contributed to Osun’s agricultural economy.
Her leadership in agricultural transformation is set to reach new heights with the 150-acre oil palm plantation project, developed in partnership with Assetrise Limited.
The 150-acre Oil Palm Plantation: A Partnership for Impact
The collaboration between Mrs. Oyetola and Assetrise Ltd reflects a shared vision for leveraging agriculture as a driver of economic growth and food security. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment to:
- Job Creation:
- Direct Employment: The plantation will generate employment, especially for women and youth in Osun state, offering roles in planting, harvesting, and maintenance.
- Indirect Opportunities: The oil palm value chain will create opportunities in transportation, packaging, and sales, significantly reducing rural unemployment.
- Boosting Food Security:
- Increasing Nigeria’s domestic oil palm production ensures a stable supply of this essential commodity, reducing dependence on costly imports.
- The project promotes self-sufficiency by creating locally sourced raw materials for food and industrial applications, such as cooking oil, soap, and cosmetics.
- Economic Growth:
- By creating new value chains in processing and distribution, the plantation will enhance Osun’s GDP and attract further investments into the state’s agricultural sector.
- Export opportunities for surplus palm oil could position Osun as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s palm oil export market, bringing in foreign exchange.
- Skills Development and Training:
- Workers on the plantation will benefit from modern agricultural training programs, equipping them with advanced farming techniques that improve productivity and efficiency.
- Knowledge transfer from the project will benefit smallholder farmers in the community, enabling them to scale their production sustainably.
- Environmental Sustainability:
- The plantation will implement eco-friendly practices such as waste-to-energy systems and sustainable land use strategies, ensuring long-term productivity without environmental degradation.
- Oil palm trees contribute to carbon sequestration, helping mitigate climate change while supporting biodiversity.
- Stimulating Agribusiness Innovation:
- The project has the potential to attract private-sector investments in related agro-industrial ventures, such as palm oil refining and biofuel production, fostering innovation and industrial growth in Osun State.
Assetrise is thrilled to partner with Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola in her pursuit of agricultural innovation for Osun State through the development of a 150-acre oil palm plantation. This transformative project will serve as a catalyst for local development by creating jobs and providing a sustainable source of income for surrounding communities. At the national level, the plantation is set to strengthen Nigeria’s food security by increasing domestic palm oil production, reducing dependence on imports, and bolstering the country’s agricultural value chain. Additionally, the project aligns with broader economic goals, contributing significantly to GDP growth and positioning Osun State as a leader in sustainable agriculture. This partnership exemplifies the power of forward-thinking collaborations to address critical challenges while fostering long-term growth and resilience within local economies.
Enugu State: A Shared Vision for Advancing the Agro Smart City Model
Since assuming office, Governor Mbah’s administration has prioritized agriculture as a cornerstone of its economic development agenda. The Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Engr. Patrick Ubru’s dedication to agricultural development reflects his strategic approach to transforming Enugu’s agricultural landscape into a driver of economic growth, food security, and sustainability. His contributions align seamlessly with Governor Peter Mbah’s goal of increasing Enugu’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion through agricultural investments. The Commissioner’s initiatives focus on integrating modern farming practices, creating employment, and positioning Enugu as a leading player in Nigeria’s agro-industrial sector. Engr. Ubru has championed different initiatives including:
- Development of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs): Under Engr. Ubru’s leadership, Enugu State has partnered with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Federal Government to establish Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones. These SAPZs aim to transform over 1,000 hectares of land into hubs for agro-industrialization, fostering value addition and employment in rural communities.
- Rural Access Infrastructure: To support agricultural productivity, Engr. Ubru has spearheaded the construction of 15 rural access roads, linking farming clusters to markets and processing centers. This effort enhances logistics and reduces post-harvest losses, aligning with the state’s vision to commercialize agriculture
- Modern Agricultural Facilities and Support: The Commissioner oversees projects such as the $19.4 million Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement, and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) initiative. This program includes the construction of rice, cashew, and poultry processing centers, providing farmers with access to modern equipment and training to enhance productivity.
- Distribution of Agricultural Inputs: Engr. Ubru facilitated the distribution of ₦4.6 billion worth of agricultural inputs, including fertilizers, seedlings, and power tillers, benefiting over 12,000 farmers. This initiative focuses on equipping smallholder farmers with the tools necessary for higher yields and sustainable practices.
- Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project (L-PRESS): As part of an initiative to modernize livestock farming, Engr. Ubru launched the construction of veterinary hospitals and abattoirs. These facilities aim to enhance livestock health, ensure hygienic meat production, and boost the state’s food supply chain.
- Focus on Sustainability and Mechanization: The Commissioner for Agriculture has championed mechanized farming practices and smart green farm settlements, addressing security concerns in farmlands while enhancing productivity through advanced technology.
His visionary leadership and commitment to transformative initiatives have made him a pivotal figure in Enugu’s agricultural renaissance. In a bold move to solidify its position as a hub for agricultural development and economic transformation, Enugu State is partnering with Assetrise Limited to replicate the Agro Smart City model on over 7,000 hectares of land. This partnership represents a shared commitment to harnessing agriculture as a vehicle for transformation. This innovative project integrates modern farming practices, agro-industrial hubs, and sustainable real estate development, positioning Enugu as a leader in agricultural innovation.
Key Impacts of the Agro Smart City Project:
- Economic Growth and Diversification: By establishing the Agro Smart-City, Enugu will diversify its economy beyond traditional sectors, leveraging agriculture as a driver of growth. The Agro Smart-City will create over 15,000 jobs in farming, agro-processing, logistics, and technology sectors, driving rural and urban economic development.
- Infrastructure Development: The partnership will result in the development of critical infrastructure, including road networks, processing plants, and residential zones within the Agro Smart-City. This will improve accessibility, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance the quality of life for residents, while also promoting industrialization across Enugu’s rural areas.
- Revenue Growth from Agricultural Exports: By leveraging the Agro Smart-City’s production capacity, Enugu State can position itself as a leading exporter of agricultural products, including palm oil and other high-demand crops. This will not only strengthen the state’s economy but also provide a reliable revenue stream through exports, boosting the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR)
- Strengthening Food Security: The partnership will directly address the state’s food security concerns by increasing local food production, reducing reliance on imports, and ensuring the availability of affordable and nutritious food for the state’s rapidly growing population. This will also help stabilize food prices, making Enugu more resilient to global market fluctuations.
- Environmental Sustainability: The Agro Smart-City project incorporates sustainable agricultural practices, including soil conservation, water management, and the use of eco-friendly inputs. These practices will help Enugu State mitigate the impacts of climate change, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity and sustainability.
- Increased Foreign Investment & Collaboration: The Agro Smart-City will attract both local and international investors by offering a secure and profitable environment for agro-business ventures. Additionally, the state can leverage partnerships with international development organizations, boosting the inflow of foreign direct investments (FDI) into Enugu.
- Boost to Tourism through Agro-Tourism Initiatives: Beyond agriculture, the project will integrate tourism by developing resorts and eco-friendly accommodations, attracting visitors to experience the state’s agricultural prowess and scenic beauty. This will create a new revenue stream while promoting Enugu as a destination for agro-tourism.
- Community Development and Improved Living Standards: The partnership will lead to the creation of modern housing, healthcare, and educational facilities within the Agro Smart-City, improving living standards for local communities. The project will bridge the gap between rural and urban areas, creating a more integrated and prosperous society.
By aligning with the state’s goals of job creation, food security, and sustainable development, the Agro Smart City model reinforces Enugu’s position as a hub for innovation and opportunity. Assetrise Ltd is honored to contribute to this bold vision, working hand-in-hand with the state government to build a future where agriculture drives growth, empowers communities, and secures prosperity for generations to come.
Abia State: Empowering Agricultural Transformation and Economic Growth Through Partnerships
Abia State is poised for a new era of agricultural innovation and economic growth, with the visionary leadership of Governor Alex Otti and the dynamic efforts of the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze. Recognizing agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, the state has rolled out innovative programs aimed at boosting local food production, creating jobs, and enhancing economic stability. Dr. Cliff Agbaeze’s commitment to agricultural reform and innovation has been instrumental in shaping Abia’s agricultural strategy. His leadership in embracing technology, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring inclusive growth speaks volumes about his dedication to the state’s progress. Before his appointment, Dr. Agbaeze served as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the state’s current agricultural reforms. Under his guidance, Abia’s agriculture sector is transitioning from subsistence farming to a more structured, industrial approach. He has been instrumental in the:
- Development of a Comprehensive Farmers Database: Abia is pioneering a state-wide initiative to create a robust database of farmers and their agricultural produce. This project ensures that farmers can access essential support programs from both the state and federal governments, boosting productivity and improving livelihoods.
- Training and Empowerment of Farmers: Dr. Agbaeze has played a vital role in capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering farmers in Abia State. Under his leadership, the state launched a training program for 300 farmers at the CSS Global Integrated Farms in Nasarawa. This program focuses on equipping participants with advanced skills in agricultural value chains, enabling them to become wealth creators and employers of labor.
- Promotion of Sustainable Farming: Dr. Agbaeze has been vocal about transforming Abia from a subsistence farming economy into a model of agro-industrialization. He has pushed for integrating agriculture into the school curriculum to inspire the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.
- Empowerment Initiatives for Youth and Women: Recognizing the critical role of youth and women in agriculture, Dr. Agbaeze has supported numerous capacity-building programs aimed at empowering these groups with modern farming techniques and financial support. His administration’s approach is bold, transformative, and focused on creating long-lasting economic change through agriculture.
- Food Security Initiatives: As part of his efforts to enhance food security and economic growth, Dr. Agbaeze has prioritized developing agricultural value chains, with particular attention to crops like cashew, rice, and cassava. The Commissioner has focused on programs to reduce food import dependency and enhance local food production. By improving access to agricultural inputs and modern farming techniques, these efforts are designed to address the challenges of food insufficiency and high unemployment in the state.
Dr. Agbaeze has emphasized the importance of achieving food sovereignty for Abia. By pushing transformational policies and programs, his administration is ensuring that agriculture plays a central role in the state’s economic strategy. Assetrise’s collaboration with Abia State to implement the Agro Smart City model on 10,000 hectares of land is an exciting step forward in realizing Abia’s agricultural potential. This project is a perfect fit for the state’s strategic vision of economic diversification, job creation, and food security.
The projected impacts of the Agro Smart City model in Abia:
- Increased Agricultural Output: The partnership will transform Abia’s agricultural productivity, ensuring higher yields through the adoption of mechanized farming, sustainable practices, and improved infrastructure. The state will transition from subsistence farming to large-scale, commercial agriculture.
- Job Creation and Poverty Reduction: Developing Agro Smart-Cities will generate employment across multiple sectors, including farming, processing, logistics, and technology. This will have a direct impact on reducing the state’s unemployment rate, especially in rural areas, and alleviate poverty.
- Economic Diversification: Agro-processing and value addition industries will help diversify Abia’s economy, reducing its dependency on oil and trade, while establishing agriculture as a key pillar of growth. Increased agricultural exports will boost the state’s revenue base.
- Strengthened Food Security: The partnership will help Abia address food insecurity by increasing local food production, reducing reliance on imported food, and making food more affordable for its citizens. The increase in local production will also contribute to national food security.
- Boost to Agro-Processing Capabilities: Setting up agro-processing plants will ensure that local crops such as yam, cassava, and palm oil are not only consumed locally but also processed and exported, creating value-added products. This will open up export markets for Abia’s agricultural products, further boosting the state’s economy.
- Environmental Sustainability: The partnership’s emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices will safeguard Abia’s natural resources, ensuring responsible land use and reducing environmental degradation. The adoption of climate-smart farming techniques will make the state more resilient to the adverse effects of climate change.
- Enhanced Revenue Generation: The creation of an Agro Smart-City will lead to multiple income streams from agricultural production, agro-processing, and export opportunities. Abia’s economy will benefit from increased revenue, as the agricultural sector grows and attracts more investors.
- Increased Market Access: Abia’s farmers will benefit from strategic market linkages, both locally and internationally. These partnerships will create new markets for their agricultural products, increasing revenue streams and driving profitability.
The Agro Smart-City project represents a groundbreaking initiative poised to transform Nigeria’s agricultural and economic landscape providing a clear path toward agricultural modernization by incorporating mechanized farming, advanced agro-processing, and value-added production. These advancements will not only meet local consumption needs but also position the states to penetrate external markets, reducing dependency on food imports while fostering economic growth. Assetrise Ltd is honored to partner with Abia State in this transformative venture, positioning Abia as a beacon of agricultural excellence in Nigeria—building a legacy of prosperity, alleviating poverty, and ensuring a secure future for the state’s agricultural sector.
A Shared Vision for Nigeria’s Future
The partnerships Assetrise Ltd has established with Osun, Enugu, and Abia States represent a bold and decisive step toward reshaping Nigeria’s agricultural and economic landscape. These initiatives are not just about solving today’s challenges of food security and unemployment—they are about building systems that will sustain communities, create opportunities, and position Nigeria as a leader in agro-industrial development.
Through transformative projects such as the 150-acre oil palm plantation in Osun, the Agro Smart Cities in Enugu, and Abia States, Assetrise Ltd is paving the way for a future defined by innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable progress. These partnerships underscore the power of collaboration between forward-thinking leaders and purpose-driven organizations to shape the trajectory of an entire nation and deliver real, measurable impact.
We applaud the remarkable leadership of Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola and the Commissioners for Agriculture in Enugu and Abia states, whose dedication to transformative policies and community-focused solutions continues to inspire meaningful change.
At Assetrise Limited, we are proud to be a part of this journey, creating opportunities that strengthen local economies, uplift communities, and lay the groundwork for a resilient agricultural sector. Together, with our esteemed partners and visionary leaders, we are building not only thriving states but also a prosperous Nigeria that delivers hope and opportunity for generations to come.
