Ibadan has arable land for agriculture – Olubadan tells Belgian Ambassador

The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin Ige Olakulehin 1, emphasized Ibadan’s potential for agricultural production due to its vast arable land. He conveyed this during a visit from the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, at the new Olubadan Palace. Speaking through Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, the Olubadan highlighted areas like Egbeda, Ona Ara, Oluyole, Ido, Lagelu, and Akinyele as ideal for large-scale agriculture. Leenknegt expressed interest in enhancing agricultural ties between Nigeria and Belgium, particularly in cocoa production, aligning with his mission to boost trade and finance in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Source: DailyPost

Our Review
The recent engagement between the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin Ige Olakulehin I, and Belgian Ambassador Pieter Leenknegt highlights the significant agricultural potential within Ibadan. The Olubadan’s emphasis on the city’s vast arable lands, particularly in areas like Egbeda, Ona Ara, and Oluyole, underscores the immense opportunity for large-scale agricultural production.
For investors, this presents a strategic opening to tap into these resources, fostering growth in food production and boosting the local economy. The involvement of international partners, as indicated by the Belgian government’s interest, could bring much-needed funding, expertise, and technological advancements to the region. This collaboration has the potential to strengthen the entire agricultural value chain—from production to processing and export—thereby enhancing food security and creating jobs.
The call to action is clear: stakeholders must seize this opportunity to develop Ibadan’s agricultural sector. By doing so, they can drive economic growth, improve food supply, and position Nigeria as a key player in global agriculture.