By Allen Sowore, Esq.
Transforming Forests into Mega Farms: Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Visit to JB Farms Ltd & SAO Agro Services
I am a thoroughly bred African philosopher. I understand folklore—its lessons and rationale.
Two recent events remind me of the classical personification of Honour, Money, and Indignity in the evergreen song Owó, Iyì ati Èté by the legendary Dr. Orlando Owoh.
The first is the ongoing controversy between Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the distinguished senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Elechi Amadi, in his seminal novel The Concubine, remarked that beauty often carries sorrow. This seems fitting for the accuser.
Senator Natasha has persistently alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate remarks toward her.
This, right here, is the indignation that Orlando Owoh captured in his song. I leave it there, as I do not wish to be entangled in the web of endless controversies.
The Folktale of Honour, Money, and Indignation
According to popular folklore, Honour, Money, and Indignation were siblings—the children of Goodluck and Good Character. When their parents passed away, they received befitting burials. But their deaths revealed their true natures.
Honour, the eldest, was revered by all. When he died, even the king offered his backyard as a burial site—a testament to his esteemed character. To this day, kings are honoured and respected.
Indignation, a beautiful woman, was adored by her fellow women. But when she died, there was no place to bury her. In desperation, her friends placed her corpse on their laps. She rotted away right there, melting into their flesh. This is why, to this day, women hold the power to bring indignation, disrepute, and shame upon men—even the high and mighty.
Money, the youngest, was loved by all but consumed by pride. Arrogant and detached, he never confided in anyone. When he fell ill, he kept it to himself and disappeared into the forest, where he died alone.
When people noticed his absence, they searched everywhere to no avail. Eventually, they ventured deep into the forest, where they found his remains—his limbs, ribs, and legs. But his head was never recovered.
And so, money has remained hidden—in banks, vaults, and unconventional places.
Now, to the heart of the matter. I appreciate your patience with this long illustration—it holds valuable lessons for the younger generation.
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, I joined Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on an inspection tour of JB Farms Limited and SAO Agro Services in Ore and Ajue, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
At the entrance of JB Farms Limited, a sturdy iron gate stood firm, guarded by a well-equipped, neatly uniformed security team. As we passed through the first narrow gate, the pathway widened like an open-ended funnel.
To the left, a vast nursery bed stretched out, with thousands of young palm seedlings sprouting in neat rows.
We were warmly received by a vibrant workforce—5,000 enthusiastic and motivated workers. As Governor Aiyedatiwa stepped out of his SUV, he engaged the workers by singing the popular agricultural song:
“Ìwé kíkọ là sí ìkọ, Education without farming…”
Then, we embarked on a tour of the massive plantation—a sprawling 7,500 hectares of mechanically cleared land, with 5,000 hectares already cultivated with oil palm.
The plantation’s road network was meticulously planned. Every 1,000 palm trees were interconnected by a structured grid of roads, facilitating easy access across the vast farm.
After a 30-minute drive, we approached a green-roofed building—the processing mill under construction. Stepping out of the Toyota bus, I took in the view, surrounded by lush greenery and towering, well-nourished palm trees. My mind raced ahead to the farm’s potential revenue in the next two to three years.
Standing beside me was Orioye Benedict Gbayisemore, the SSA on Youth Employment and Job Creation. I turned to him and asked, “What are we doing in the city?”
He smiled and responded, “Ìgbó l’ówó wà ooo!” (Money is in the forest!).
The processing mill is the heart of this massive agricultural investment. Once completed, it will process 800 tonnes of palm fruits daily, yielding approximately 160 tonnes of palm oil.
“This mill is essential to the success of our plantation,” explained Adewale Adebutu, the MD/CEO of JB Farms Limited.
Ondo State boasts Nigeria’s longest unbroken Atlantic coastline (approximately 75 kilometers) and 15,500 square kilometers of arable land. However, sections of the government-reserved forests have long been hideouts for criminal activities—an issue Governor Aiyedatiwa is determined to address.
The governor sees large-scale agribusinesses as a key strategy to convert ungoverned lands into productive ventures, thereby curbing insecurity.
Standing in the middle of the vast plantation, Governor Aiyedatiwa admired the transformation of a once-dense forest into a thriving agricultural enterprise. He commended JB Farms Limited and SAO Agro Services for their investment in infrastructure, job creation, and contribution to the state’s economic growth.
He urged smallholder farmers to embrace the government’s vision of transforming forest reserves into mega farms, assuring them that there is ample land for both subsistence and commercial farming.
“We are not saying you shouldn’t farm or plant your crops, but you must allow these investors to transform our state’s forest reserves into mega farms. That’s why I’m here,” the governor declared.
“This was once a thick forest, but now it has become a productive venture. What I see here is impressive—not just the plantation but also the extensive infrastructure development.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the investment extends beyond palm tree cultivation.
“This company has built roads and is constructing a modern processing mill. This is a huge investment that deserves commendation,” he remarked.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to security, infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment, the governor encouraged more investors to tap into the state’s agribusiness sector.
The investors, in turn, through the bFounder and CEO of SAO Agro Services, Ayo Sotinrin praised the governor’s balanced approach to agricultural development—one that supports both large-scale agribusinesses and smallholder farmers.
Currently, JB Farms Limited employs 5,000 workers, while SAO Agro Services provides jobs for 3,000 people—bringing the total workforce to 8,000.
This agribusiness expansion strategy is not limited to Odigbo Local Government Area. The Ondo State government plans to replicate this model across the state, ensuring more agricultural land is put to productive use.
Governor Aiyedatiwa has vowed to rid Ondo State of criminal elements. During a stakeholders’ meeting on March 13, 2025, at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Akure, he reaffirmed his commitment to protecting lives and property.
Through large-scale agricultural investments, the Aiyedatiwa-led administration aims to: Boost food production, create jobs, attract investors and enhance security across the state
Indeed, the future of agribusiness in Ondo State looks promising. And as we left the farm that day, one thing remained clear.
Money truly lives—or dies—in the forest.
Allen Sowore, Esq.
SSA to the Governor on Strategic Communication
March 22, 2025
