Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has launched a 1,000-hectare coffee revival project aimed at restoring Ondo State’s position in Nigeria’s coffee export industry and boosting agricultural development.
The initiative was unveiled during a two-day sensitisation and training programme on coffee production and value chain development organised by the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in partnership with Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, the governor described the event as a major step toward rebuilding the state’s coffee industry and expanding economic opportunities for residents.
“Ondo State was once known for premium Robusta coffee production for export, but years of neglect, ageing plantations and policy inconsistencies led to decline. Today, we are putting an end to that decline,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa stressed that agriculture remains the strongest pathway to economic prosperity, noting that the global coffee market presents huge opportunities for Ondo State.
“Coffee, with a global market worth over 460 billion dollars, offers Ondo State a golden opportunity for economic growth,” he added.
According to him, the 1,000-hectare project is expected to engage more than 2,000 farmers directly while creating additional jobs across seedling production, cultivation, processing, packaging and exportation.
The governor said the state government was partnering with Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited to move beyond raw exports into roasting, branding and packaging “Made-in-Ondo” coffee products for international markets.
He outlined measures by the administration to support the project, including provision of land for investors and cooperatives, deployment of extension officers, construction of access roads to farming clusters and guaranteed off-take arrangements for farmers.
“No farmer in Ondo State will cultivate coffee without a ready and reliable market,” he assured.
Aiyedatiwa identified Akure North, Idanre, Ifedore and parts of the Akoko axis as suitable locations for coffee cultivation due to their favourable climate and soil conditions.
He also urged youths to embrace agriculture as a profitable enterprise.
“Coffee farming is smart business. With these 1,000 hectares, we are unlocking thousands of opportunities for enterprise,” he said.
The governor commended the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria and Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited for supporting the initiative, saying it aligns with the administration’s “OUR EASE” development agenda.
“Today, we are planting more than seedlings; we are planting hope and prosperity. Ondo State is reclaiming its place on Nigeria’s coffee map,” he stated.
In her remarks, Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited CEO, Blessing Nanman Tangtur, said the company would provide farmers with technical training and support throughout the coffee value chain.
She explained that the company currently operates in 21 Nigerian states and 14 African countries, focusing on coffee, tea and chocolate production.
Also speaking, Ondo State Chairman of the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria, Ayodele Akinwumi, said the initiative marked the beginning of efforts to position Ondo as Nigeria’s coffee capital.
He revealed that over 10,000 hectares of suitable land had already been identified across Akoko, Owo, Idanre, Ore and Ifedore for future expansion.
“Akoko North-West, with its elevation and climate, can compete with countries like Vietnam and Uganda in coffee production,” he said.
Akinwumi added that the programme would focus on European Union Deforestation Regulation compliance, GPS mapping and soil testing in collaboration with the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria.