By Olufisoye Adenitan
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has commissioned a state-of-the-art palm oil and palm kernel production factory established by a private company in Akure, marking a major boost to the state’s agro-industrial drive.
The fully integrated, end-to-end facility, located along Irese Road in Akure, boasts a daily production capacity of 5,000 litres.
The plant runs a complete value chain that guarantees maximum utilisation of every component of the oil palm.
Beyond extracting high-quality crude palm oil and palm kernel oil, the factory converts all by-products into commercially valuable outputs, reinforcing its sustainability and economic impact.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa described local production facilities as critical engines of economic growth and industrial expansion in Ondo State.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for small and medium-scale enterprises to thrive.
“This factory will do more than produce palm oil and palm kernel. It will create jobs for our youths, stimulate ancillary businesses, support local farmers, reduce dependence on external supplies, and strengthen our Internally Generated Revenue, IGR,” Governor Aiyedatiwa said.
He stressed that sustainable business growth depends on stability and security, noting that his administration has deliberately strengthened the state’s security architecture and deepened community policing.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also commended the management of the company for their confidence in Ondo State and for prioritising local skills across the factory’s operations.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Lateef Audu, said his passion for agriculture and belief in a production-driven economy inspired the investment.
He thanked the Ondo State government for sustaining a business-friendly environment and supporting entrepreneurship.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs and Youth Advocate, Mr Oluyemi Fasipe, called on entrepreneurs in the Diaspora to invest in Ondo State, describing it as one of Nigeria’s most investor-friendly states.
Mr Fasipe applauded the company for locating the project in the state, noting that the investment would boost investor confidence and expand employment opportunities for young people.
The event climaxed with a guided tour of the facility, during which the lead engineer detailed the production process and operational capacity of the installed machinery.
Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle
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