Lagos Govt, Private Firm Begin Ambitious Rice Project In Apa Community

By Emiabata Deborah Oluwabusiolami

A major agricultural milestone of the Lagos State government and a private firm, is currently taking place in Agorin Village, Apa, Badagry West, area of Lagos.

The rice project, undertaken in partnership with Blessed Agric Investment is aimed at harnessing the agriculture potentials in the community.

It is the first-ever investment initiative in the community, and expectations are high that it would help open it up economically thereby empowering the people.

Our correspondent who interacted with the field officers learnt that the rice project is the community’s first-ever investment initiative.

Covering over 3,000 acres of land and operating under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, it aims to boost food production, promote rural development, and create employment opportunities within the state.

According to Mr Samuel A. Obitunde, the CEO, Cluster Head, and Cluster Chairman of Blessed Agric Investment, the company discovered Agorin through a land survey after completing a successful projects in Iworo and Owode-Apa, both in Badagry West.

“We primarily grow rice,” Obitunde stated, adding: “After completing projects in Badagry and Owode-Apa, we identified Agorin as a suitable location and decide to expand here.”

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Obitunde added that the land is on lease, which benefits both the investors and the host community.

In addition to providing jobs, the project is expected to impart agricultural cultivation knowledge to residents who may have never witnessed rice farming project before.

“Some elders in the community, even those in their 80s, have never seen how rice is planted. This project changes that,” Obitunde added.

Mr. Olorunwa Otube, the Community Secretary, confirmed to The Eagle that the traditional council and the entire village fully welcome and accept the investment.

“This is the first investment of its kind in our village,” Otube says.

“The project was introduced through Honourable Oluwadurotimi Fashola, the Personal Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture.

“He brought the investors to meet the cabinet, and the community welcomes them without hesitation. There is no going back.”

Moreover, Otube  that the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture promises the construction of access roads and the provision of other essential infrastructure to support the project.

In addition, a visit from the Commissioner is expected once the project reaches full implementation, he added.

“All necessary discussions have taken place. The Commissioner gives us his word, and we are confident that the government will continue to support us,” Otube added.

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Our correspondent also observed that the rice project is already in operation. Although seasonal in nature, the project is designed to run long-term, bringing consistent development to the area.

Overall, stakeholders believe the initiative will transform Agorin by opening up access to employment, education, health care services, electricity, and other basic amenities — alongside future investments that will benefit the community as a whole.