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The Ogun State House of Assembly has passed a resolution calling for the immediate revitalization of Apoje Farms in Ijebu-Igbo and a comprehensive review of all government-owned farm settlements and forest reserves across the State.
The resolution followed a debate on a motion sponsored by Hon. Rasheed Kashamu, representing Ijebu North I State Constituency, titled “Need for the Revamp of Apoje Farms and Comprehensive Review of Farm Settlements Management in Ogun State.” The motion, seconded by Hon. Olakunle Sobukanla, received full support through a unanimous voice vote.
Leading the debate, Hon. Kashamu underscored the historic and economic significance of Apoje Farms, describing it as “a once-thriving hub for oil palm, citrus, and other agricultural produce.” He argued that revamping the facility would advance the State’s agricultural development strategy, boost food production, and increase internally generated revenue. He urged the Assembly to mandate relevant authorities to prioritize infrastructure upgrades, introduce modern farming systems, and pursue strategic partnerships to restore the settlement’s full commercial operations.
The lawmaker further proposed incorporating Apoje Farms into the Ogun State Agricultural Master Plan, with expanded activities such as livestock production, aquaculture, processing hubs, and agro-tourism. He also emphasized the need for a sustainable management framework to ensure accountability and improved productivity.
Other lawmakers, including former Speaker Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, Minority Leader Lukman Adeleye, and Honourables Oluseun Adesanya, Babatunde Tella, Haruna Egungbohun, Damilare Bello, and Adegoke Adeyanju, strongly supported the motion. They noted that agriculture was once a major revenue driver before the oil boom and stressed that reviving farm settlements was essential to tackling food scarcity and stabilizing the economy.
The House also expressed concern over increasing encroachment on government-owned farmlands by real estate developers, calling for urgent measures to halt such activities and protect agricultural assets.
Following deliberations, the motion for adoption was moved by Hon. Kashamu and seconded by Hon. Adeyanju. Majority Leader Yusuf Sherrif subsequently moved the motion converting the debate into a House resolution, seconded by Minority Leader Hon. Adeleye and supported by the entire Assembly.
As part of the resolution, the Assembly summoned the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Bolu Owootomo; the Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun; and the General Manager of the Agricultural Development Corporation to appear before it on Tuesday, 25th November 2025 to provide clarifications on the management of farm settlements and forest reserves across the State.
