FG’s “Renewed Hope” 5,000-Hectare Mega Farm Estate Launched in Ora, Kwara State to Boost Food Security and Jobs

 

On Saturday, 19 April 2026, the Federal Government through the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) commissioned the 5,000-hectare “Renewed Hope” Mega Farm Estate in Ora, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State. 

This is the pioneer take-off site for a nationwide rollout under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. 

The project clusters farmers in a secured, mechanized environment to tackle food insecurity, rural unemployment, and insecurity while positioning agriculture as a profitable venture for youth. 

Management of the Ora site is under a public-private partnership with Arzikin Noma Nigeria Limited.

*Key Highlights: Facts & Figures*

- *Size & Allocation*: 5,000 hectares total. Each farmer gets 5 hectares to cultivate.

- *Beneficiaries*: 5,000 farmers to be engaged directly. Each farmer is expected to employ 4–5 workers, creating 5,000 direct jobs.

- *Total Impact*: Up to 10,000 people to benefit directly and indirectly across the value chain — mechanization, logistics, trading, processing, and support services.

- *Mechanization*: Initial deployment of 10 tractors to Ora site, with plans to scale up as cultivation expands.

- *Crop Focus*: Large-scale soybean production prioritized for both local consumption and export due to industrial relevance and demand.

- *Security Framework*: Multi-layered protection using Agro-Rangers, state security agencies, local hunters, and drone surveillance across the 5,000 hectares.

- *Infrastructure Model*: Mega farm estates are designed as 5,000-hectare clusters with hostels, admin blocks, warehouses, police stations, sporting/recreational facilities, and mechanization hubs.

- *Financing Model*: Arzikin Noma finances participating farmers; NALDA provides land prep and infrastructure. Farmers make no upfront payment — service costs deducted post-harvest via a transparent wallet system. 

*Where Similar Developments Are Happening in Nigeria*

NALDA’s Integrated Farm Estate / “Renewed Hope” Mega Farm Estate model is being replicated nationwide. Confirmed locations include:

- *Ekiti State*: 1,200-hectare farm estate in Okeako/Irele, Ikole LGA. Also cited as Ilawe, Ekiti State as a take-off site.

- *Bauchi State*: Mega farm estate commenced as part of the initial rollout.

- *Plateau State*: Listed among states where similar mega farm estates are being developed.

- *Imo State*: 35-hectare Acharaugo Emekuku Integrated Farm Estate in Owerri North LGA, being expanded to 100 hectares. Targets 500 direct beneficiaries.

- *Abia State*: 100-hectare Ariam Elu Elu farm estate in Ikwuano LGA, with 50 fish ponds and 25 hectares of banana.

- *Katsina State*: 100-hectare Integrated Farm Estate in Suduje, Daura LGA, commissioned by President Buhari. Targets N1.7B revenue/year and 1,500 youths/women.

- *Ogun State*: Integrated Farm Estate targeting 1,500 beneficiaries; projected N2B annual revenue.

- *Kogi State*: 700-hectare farm estate in Okwuha Obayin, Ajaokuta LGA, focused on livestock. To engage 3,000 youths.

- *Kwara State (Agbeyangi)*: Earlier 100-hectare Integrated Farm Estate in Agbeyangi, Ilorin East LGA, targeting 2,000 youths in crop/livestock. 

President Buhari previously directed NALDA to set up integrated farm estates in all 108 senatorial districts. 

NALDA has recovered abandoned farm estate lands in 21 states including Gombe, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kebbi, Oyo, Lagos, Delta, Yobe, Kaduna, Benue, Osun, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, among others.

*Recommendations*

1. *Strengthen Offtake Agreements*: Link the 5,000 farmers to guaranteed buyers/processors of soybean to prevent post-harvest losses and ensure price stability.

2. *Youth & Women Inclusion*: Earmark at least 40% of plots for women and youths under 35, with dedicated extension training on mechanization and agribusiness.

3. *Data Transparency*: Publish quarterly progress reports on hectares cleared, inputs distributed, jobs created, and yields achieved to build public trust.

4. *Value Chain Integration*: Establish on-site processing for soybean into oil, meal, and flour to capture more value locally before export.

5. *Climate-Smart Practices*: Integrate irrigation beyond the current plan, soil testing via “Soil Doctors”, and drought-resistant varieties to sustain all-year production.

6. *Community Ownership*: Formalize host community equity or profit-sharing to reduce land disputes and improve long-term security. 

*Conclusion*

The Ora 5,000-hectare Mega Farm Estate signals a shift from subsistence to structured, commercial agriculture under the Renewed Hope Agenda. 

By clustering farmers, deploying mechanization, and embedding security and financing, the model addresses key bottlenecks that have kept rural agriculture unprofitable. 

With similar estates underway in Ekiti, Bauchi, Plateau, Imo, Abia, Katsina, Ogun, Kogi and others, NALDA is attempting to standardize this template across Nigeria’s 108 senatorial districts. 

If execution matches the blueprint, the project could materially improve food security, cut imports, and create the “sexy agriculture” appeal needed to pull young Nigerians into farming. 

Success will hinge on transparent farmer selection, reliable mechanization support, and market access beyond the farm gate.