Odu’a group seeks collaboration with Adeleke on mining, agriculture
The management of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) has sought the collaboration of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to secure land for large-scale agricultural ventures and support for mining licenses through a newly formed entity, SouthWest Resources Limited (SWRL). This strategic move is part of OICL’s broader plan to diversify into key sectors such as agriculture and mining across Southwest Nigeria.
During a courtesy visit to the Governor, Group Chairman Bimbo Ashiru emphasized the need for Osun State’s cooperation in accessing its agricultural land bank. He noted OICL’s intent to lead value-chain agricultural investments, spanning from primary production to processing and export. In parallel, the company is pushing for mining expansion, with a commitment to environmental responsibility and job creation.
Governor Adeleke responded by aligning OICL’s goals with the developmental philosophy of the late Obafemi Awolowo, affirming his administration’s support for innovative investments that promise to transform the state’s economic landscape.
Source- Vanguard
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
Odu’a Investment Company’s strategic push to acquire land in Osun State for agribusiness is a timely and commendable move. As a multi-state-owned conglomerate representing the economic interests of the Southwest, its investment signals a growing confidence in the region’s agricultural viability—particularly in Osun, a state long regarded for its underutilized agrarian capacity.
From an agri-food systems lens, this development presents three key opportunities:
- Value Chain Strengthening: OICL’s emphasis on full value chain integration—from crop production to export—could significantly boost Osun’s agricultural output and competitiveness. This aligns with national food security goals and regional export ambitions under the AfCFTA framework.
- Land Utilization and Infrastructure Leverage: With Governor Adeleke’s openness to allocating portions of the state’s agricultural land bank, this initiative could finally unlock dormant farmlands for productive use. Coupled with Osun’s ongoing infrastructure expansion (roads, schools, and water), logistics and agro-processing can be more efficiently managed.
- Youth and Employment Drive: Commercial-scale farming and responsible mining offer opportunities for structured employment, particularly for youth and women in rural communities. The planned partnership could also integrate training and incubation hubs to build local capacity in agribusiness operations and sustainable resource management.
However, critical success factors must be addressed:
- Transparent land allocation mechanisms to avoid community conflict.
- Clear environmental and social safeguards in mining and agricultural operations.
- Multi-stakeholder governance, including local farmers, processors, and civil society groups to ensure inclusive benefits.
Strategic Recommendation
Agri-food stakeholders—including agribusinesses, cooperatives, development partners, and research institutions—should engage proactively with OICL and the Osun State government to co-create sustainable investment models, facilitate technology adoption, and support market linkages that can scale this initiative beyond Osun.
