The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, on Monday revealed plans to establish an Agricultural Estate aimed at boosting food production and providing job opportunities for the nation’s unemployed youths.
The monarch also announced the forthcoming launch of the Olowu Hope Initiative, a non-governmental organisation he founded, scheduled for Saturday. The organisation plans to provide daily meals for 1,000 pupils in three primary schools in Abeokuta.
Speaking at his palace during the Odun Omo Olowu 2024 festival, which began on Monday, Oba Matemilola highlighted the organisation’s additional focus areas. These include offering microcredit to women in the kingdom, providing healthcare insurance to 1,000 residents by year-end, and other socio-economic initiatives to benefit the Owu community and its environs.
The annual festival, themed “Growth and Advancement,” is a significant cultural event for the Owu people.
Explaining the motivation for the Agricultural Estate, the royal father noted the importance of supporting government efforts in tackling food production challenges while creating jobs and encouraging agricultural entrepreneurship.
Matemilola said, “This agricultural project will operate as a cooperative, allowing participation in diverse areas of agriculture, such as poultry, pig farming, fisheries, crop cultivation, and vegetable farming.
“There will also be provisions for tractors, irrigation services, and other farm inputs. The venture will adhere to the highest standards, with regulations to ensure smooth operations. We’ll also handle the marketing of produce from the farm.
“The estate will initially span three hectares, and we are in discussions with the government to collaborate on this initiative. Our primary goal is to enhance food security and create jobs through agriculture.”
Regarding the meal initiative, Oba Matemilola disclosed that Abeokuta North Local Government Primary School and Ansarudeen Primary School 1 and 2 are the initial beneficiaries. The scheme aims to expand to 3,000 pupils within the next two to three years.
He emphasized that these efforts aim to uplift the welfare of all residents, irrespective of language or tribe, while contributing to national development.
The Odun Omo Olowu festival, which celebrates the rich heritage of the Owu people, includes free medical services for over 1,000 individuals, cultural performances, the conferment of chieftaincy titles, and a grand finale on Saturday.
Prominent guests expected at the event include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Balogun of Owu Kingdom, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Olaoye Ghandi, among others.
