Rice farming in the Magboro area along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State’s Ifo Local Government has seen a significant transformation, attracting people from various professions and boosting the region’s economic growth and food security.
Muhammed Bello, chairman of the Albarka farmers’ group, explained that the initiative began on a small scale by Northern commercial motorcyclists, or Okada riders, working in Magboro. He supported their efforts with financial loans ranging from ₦1 million to ₦10 million, and after visiting the farm, he recognized its potential and scaled up the project to mechanized farming.
Bello’s expansion efforts caught the attention of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who inaugurated the group’s first rice harvest this year. With growing interest from professionals including lawyers, police officers, and civil servants, the project is now set to expand into other southwestern states, including Osun and Lagos.
Former Okada rider Sa’id Habib shared how his visit to the farm inspired him to become a full-time rice farmer, while others, such as trader Kaneshi Daniel and Bureau De Change operator Nasiru Abubakar, also transitioned into farming, finding greater financial stability.
Bello emphasized the need for government support, stating that widespread backing of similar farming initiatives could enhance food security and job creation across the region and the country.
