Ondo State is Capable of Feeding the Nation – Agriculture Commissioner, Engr. Leye Akinola
… Charges Citizens to Embrace Farming Revolution
In a vibrant and heartfelt call to arms, the newly inaugurated Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry in Ondo State, Engr. Olaleye Akinola, has said that Ondo State is capable of feeding the nation if all residents would embrace the farming revolution in the state; saying , “Let us all go back to the farm. Let everyone resident have a farm, no matter how small it is. It starts with you feeding yourself, your family and so on.
Engr Leye Akinola who is the new Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, made the decaration today in his office as he was being welcomed to the ministry by the members of staff of the ministry led by the permanent secretary, Chief Segun Odusanya.
With passion, vision, and clarity of purpose, Engr. Akinola pledged to usher in a new era of agricultural renaissance — rooted in innovation, mechanization and strategic collaboration across sectors.
At a warmly spirited welcome ceremony held at the Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday 16th of July, 2025, Chief Segun Odusanya, Permanent Secretary of the Produce, Forest, and Produce Sub-Sector, led the ministry’s staff in embracing their new leader.
“Mr. Governor promised to give us the best in his cabinet, and true to his word, he has given us Engr. Leye Akinola,” Chief Odusanya declared. “From his wealth of experience to his sheer leadership charisma, we see a man ready to turn this ministry into a powerhouse of progress.”
According to Odusanya, there are critical challenges that require an urgent attention in the ministry: from food insecurity to forest depletion, and from outdated farming methods to the climate crisis. He added that he believed that in Engr Akinola, solutions to the challenges had arrived; saying that he was that Engr. Akinola was man equipped for the task.
“We must shift from cutlasses and hoes to mechanized, merchandise farming. No food, no life. The forest must be regrown, and our cocoa heritage protected. All hands must be on deck for the commissioner to succeed.”
In his response, Engr. Akinola exuded confidence, commitment, and a sense of divine timing. Drawing on his professional background and passion for sustainable development, he pledged to implement short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to make Ondo State an agricultural epicenter for the South West and beyond.
“Farming is not just a fallback plan — it is the future. If we’re serious, Ondo State can feed the South West and Nigeria at large,” he asserted. “And we won’t do it with hoes and cutlasses. We are going to embrace mechanization and technology.”
The Commissioner also hinted at exciting collaborations, revealing that he had already met with the Commissioner for Health to align agricultural efforts with the state’s “Our Ease Agenda” — a strategy designed to improve the well-being, food security, and economic prosperity in Ondo State.
Engr. Akinola emphasised that agriculture under his watch would span multiple sectors: Cocoa revival, arable and cash crop expansion, animal husbandry, wild life management, and forestry regeneration.
“There is no AI food,” he quipped humorously, “we must get back to the land. Agriculture is not just business; it’s survival.”
He called on youth and professionals alike to take up the farming mantle, assuring them of access to resources, training and partnerships that would make agriculture a thriving enterprise, not a labour of hardship.
Adding a touch of warmth and gratitude, Mrs. Christiana Omolola Akinola, the wife of the Commissioner, praised Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for entrusting her husband with this noble assignment. Mrs Akinola, who assured the residents that Engr Akinola would not disappoint the state, described her husband as a goal-getter who would not stop at nothing but excellence in anything he does.
“Our family is already into farming, and I have no doubt that my husband will bring transformation to this ministry and to the entire state,” she said, expressing heartfelt thanks to the governor and the good people of Akure North.
In a gesture of solidarity, Hon. Princess Aderonke Stella Oluyede, Deputy Speaker representing Ogbese Ward, and several APC leaders and Chieftains from Akure North, accompanied the commissioner as he officially resumed duty.
“Engr. Leye Akinola is a round peg in a round hole — a visionary and loyal son of Akure North,” Hon. Oluyede declared. “We are confident in his ability to lead the ministry into greatness.”
As the new Commissioner hits the ground running, Ondo State stands on the threshold of an agricultural awakening. With bold leadership, clear vision and the power of collective will, the journey back to the farm may well be the path forward to glory.
Meanwhile Pastor Jesufemi Oluwadare, in his congratulatory message, described Engr Akinola’s appointment as a testament to his love and commitment to humanity and the development of the state.
“As you assume office, I wish you all the best. I’m confident that under your leadership, the ministry will witness tremendous achievements and success. Your expertise and passion for agriculture, humanity and national development will drive positive changes, growth and development in our state.May God’s guidance, wisdom, and strength accompany you in this new role.”
He added, ” I am sure that your tenure as the Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry would be fruitful, and make a lasting impact on the lives of the people of Ondo State.”