Cotton production: Ogun set to create 14,000 new jobs, acquires 4,500 hectares of land

Determined to increase cotton production and revive the textile industry in the country, Ogun State has commenced cultivation of cotton on 4,500 hectares of land and entered into a partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Prime Anchor.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Ogun State governor, Kunle Somorin, on Tuesday, the farmland located in Aworo-Pedepo in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state, was a follow up to the 10,000 hectares earlier provided to the Cotton Growers Association in the state.

Somorin explained that apart from the partnership with the CBN, which according to him will provide the needed fund to the growers, the state government has also entered into a synergy with Prime Anchor to link cotton producers to the industrial processes, especially the Joint Cotton Growers Association of Nigeria and Gateway Cotton processing Limited, in which Ogun owns 20 percent share.

He added that the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Adeola Odedina had led representative of the National Cotton Association Nigeria, who also doubles as the Regional Manager of Arewa Cotton, Adebayo Olayemi; the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Dotun Sorunke; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Tolu Bankole; Sunday Adegoke of the Department of Tree Crops and other officials in the Ministry of Agriculture, to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the 4,500 hectares of land.

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The CPS further noted that with the new moves by the state government, no fewer than 14,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created in the cotton production sector.

Somorin disclosed that 18 new tractors have been made available and deployed by the Anchor to facilitate the project, adding, “Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP) will also provide free extension services for the beneficiaries to ensure high productivity”.

“The 14,500 hectare farmland for cotton production is to link farmers and youths who registered on the Ogun State Job Portal for job opportunities in the cotton value chain,” he further said.

Iwok Iniobong

With years of experience in Nigerian journalism, Iniobong Iwok has built a reputation for deep political insight, compelling storytelling, and consistent, fact-driven reporting. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience reporting and writing incisive political analysis. Iniobong has interviewed key political figures across Nigeria and covered major national events, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections. A versatile journalist, he also has strong experience in education reporting and sector analysis. His work reflects a deep commitment to good governance and public accountability. Iniobong holds a B.Sc. in Sociology from the University of Ilorin and an M.Sc. in Sociology (Development Specialisation) from Lagos State University.