The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Saka Matemilola has unveiled plans to establish an Agricultural Estate.
This, according to the monarch will support the government’s efforts in food production and create job opportunities for the nation’s large population of unemployed youths.
Matemilola also announced that a non-governmental organisation, Olowu Hope Initiative, which he founded, will be launched on Saturday. The organisation has already finalised plans to provide daily meals for 1,000 schoolchildren in three selected primary schools in Abeokuta.
The monarch further explained that other focus areas of the humanitarian organisation, which aims to enhance the socio-economic development of the people of Owu Kingdom and its surroundings, include offering microcredit support for women in the kingdom and providing healthcare insurance for at least 1,000 people by the end of the year, among other initiatives.
Oba Matemilola revealed this while addressing journalists at his palace during the Odun Omo Olowu 2024 festival, which commenced on Monday.
The annual celebration, themed “Growth and Advancement,” is a key event for the Owu people.
The royal father emphasised that the need to support the government in addressing food production challenges, while also creating jobs and fostering agricultural entrepreneurship, is the primary motivation behind the establishment of the farm estate.
Matemilola stated, “This agricultural enterprise will be run as a cooperative—a form of agricultural estate where anyone interested in any area of agriculture can participate. There will be sections for poultry, pig farming, fisheries, crop farming, vegetable farming, and more.
“There will also be tractors available for those who need to plough their land, as well as irrigation services and other farm inputs. Everything will be done to the highest standards, with regulations and guidelines in place to ensure the proper functioning of this agricultural venture. We will also manage the sale of the products from this farm.
“The quality of the farm produce from this estate will be guaranteed. We are planning to allocate at least three hectares of land for this project and are already in discussions with the government for collaboration. The ultimate goal is to boost food production and create employment through agriculture.”
The traditional ruler also mentioned that, for the one-meal-per-day initiative for 1,000 pupils, the Abeokuta North Local Government Primary School, along with Ansarudeen Primary School 1 and 2, have been selected. The plan is to expand this number to 3,000 pupils within the next two to three years.
He highlighted that these interventions aim to improve the well-being of the people, regardless of language or tribe, and to contribute to national development.
The monarch added that the annual Odun Omo Olowu festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Owu people, promoting unity and collaboration necessary for the development of the kingdom and the country as a whole.
The festival’s highlights include free medical services for over a thousand people, cultural displays, the conferment of chieftaincy titles, and the grand finale, scheduled for Saturday.
Dignitaries expected at the event include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Balogun of Owu Kingdom, as well as the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Olaoye Ghandi, among others.
