Through its dedicated agribusiness vehicle, South West Agricultural Company Limited (SWAgCo), Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) has launched its Odu’a Agro-Industrial Hub in Ekiti State. The Formal Opening of the Agro-Industrial Hub which took place on Tuesday, 17th June 2025 at Oke-Ako, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State was graced by His Excellency, Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji alongside traditional rulers, government officials, and key stakeholders from the agricultural sector.
The ceremony also featured the Flag-off of flag-off of the Sustainable Development Project of Maize Micro-Enterprises in Ekiti State in partnership with British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) within the Hub and aimed to enhance maize productivity, improve access to quality inputs and extension services and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The project is being implemented by Westlink Integrated Agriculture Limited, the operating arm of SWAgCo limited.
Speaking at the event, His Excellency Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Niyi Adebayo appreciated the move as timely and transformative, he said “the initiative aligns perfectly with the administration’s vision to empower farmers and drive inclusive economic growth”. He commended the Odu’a Investment, BATNF and SWAgCo for bringing this vision to reality at Oke-Ako Ekiti.
He assured all stakeholders that Ekiti state is open for business especially in the area of agricultural production and agribusiness where the combination of fertile land, hardworking farmers, supportive government policies and an array of tertiary institutions offering agricultural courses and training will create the ideal conditions for agribusiness to thrive.
The Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company, Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa, said that the project is a manifestation of OICL’s commitment to strategic partnerships that delivers impact. “ this maize cultivation initiative, in partnership with the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), is a shining example of what can be achieved when strong institutions work together with purposeful partnerships. This hub at Oke- Ako Ekiti will be more than a production site. It is a platform designed to bring together actors across the agricultural value chain: from land development and input suppliers to mechanization, processing, storage, and logistics services”.
According to him, the maize project will foster inclusive growth, unlock job opportunities for our youth and women, and stimulate local economic development. He also positioned the project within OICL’s broader commitment to regional development saying “This project represents our dedication to investing in ventures that unlock socio-economic value across the Southwest region.
The Chairman of SWAgCo, Mr. Owolabi Salami reiterated SWAgCo’s mission to scale sustainable agricultural development. According to him, “SWAgCo was established to serve as a catalyst for agro-industrial transformation and to start with supporting 100 maize farmers is just one step in our broader mission to reposition agriculture as a commercially viable and youth-inclusive sector,”
Mr. Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATNF, spoke on the Foundation’s role in supporting small holder farmers in rural communities. He noted that “the project reflects our core belief that smallholder farmers are not just beneficiaries of development; they are key drivers of it”. He said that BATNF is committed to empowering rural communities with tools, training, and technologies need to thrive.
OICL Group Independent Director, Mrs. Folusho Olaniyan, OON, who also sits on the board of SWAgCo, and in the Technical Committee of BATNF said “ i have had the privilege of seeing this vision come to life from multiple angles and to see it launched right here in Oke Ako is a moment of profound pride. This initiative represents our template for sustainable, inclusive, and impact-driven agriculture in the Southwest and through this partnership between SWAgCo and BATNF, we are building a model that combines modern agronomy, youth empowerment, value chain integration, and rural economic development”.
Chief Segun Ojo, a Group Director in Odu’a Investment in his goodwill message stated that the Agro-Industrial Hub is more than infrastructure. It is a symbol of transformation. It reflects OICL’s belief in empowering local economies, creating employment opportunities for the youth and women, and in establishing a resilient foundation for food security in Ekiti State and the South-West region at large.
One of the beneficiaries, Oloye Olukotun, a farmer from Oke-Ako Ekiti, expressed his gratitude: “We are delighted by the project, we will give our all to ensure it succeeds.” he enthused.
The Agro-Industrial Hub has been purposefully designed to serve as a centralised ecosystem for key agricultural value chain actors – including land development companies, mechanization service providers, input suppliers (such as seed, fertilizer, and agrochemicals), extension service providers, commodity processors, as well as storage and logistics firms.
The SWAgCo–BATNF Maize Micro-Enterprise Project, which will begin with the training of an initial cohort of 100 Ekiti youths through our portfolio company, Westlink Integrated Agriculture Company, represents the Group’s practical commitment to youth empowerment expected to deliver comprehensive training in good agricultural practices, facilitate access to critical inputs and credit, and support participants through harvesting, storage, and marketing—ultimately fostering long-term wealth creation and sustainability.
Present at the event included the OICL Board Members: Mr. Segun Olujobi, and Otunba Lai Oriowo, SWAgCo Director, Mr. Adetunji Adeola and Dr. Theo Onadeko, Managing Director. Traditional rulers including the Regent of Oke-Ako, HRH Princess Tinuade Ogunbiyi and representatives from the Ekiti State University were at the event.