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BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
In an exclusive interview with StarTrend Int’l Magazine and Online Platform, Elder (Chief) Felix Bamidele Ajibode, the President of Odua Cooperative Conglomerate Limited and the Jagunmolu of Iran, in Ogbomoso area of Oyo State, shared deep insights into the establishment of his new pride – an ultra-modern food production factory in Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State.
What is this factory all about?
It’s a food production factory – specifically for cassava variants. I want expressed my appreciation for the role of women in popularizing Ilaro Fufu.
Every time I go to Ibadan, Lagos, Ondo, or Ekiti, friends always ask me to bring back Ilaro Fufu. I sincerely appreciate the women whose consistent efforts made Ilaro Fufu known beyond our region. That inspired me and my board to start the commercial production of cassava-based food – especially fufu flour.
What other food items are you producing?
We’re currently producing fufu flour, lafun, garri, and starch. Very soon, we’ll begin production of ethno as well.
How do you source raw materials?
We presently source cassava from local farmers. However, we’re finalizing an agreement with the Department of Agriculture at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro – now Federal University of Technology – for large-scale cassava supply.
In addition, we are engaging our cooperative members from this region who are interested in partnering with us”, he added.
Do you expect support from the Federal, State, and Local Governments or corporate bodies?
Yes. As the saying goes, one hand doesn’t carry a load. We need all the support we can get – from the Federal, State, and Local governments, as well as corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals.
Our pressing need now is marketing vehicles to distribute our products throughout Ilaro, Yewa, and Ogun State. We would appreciate assistance, particularly from our elected representatives in the National Assembly, with 2–3 small buses to reach our customers.
Have you approached government representatives?
Yes, we tried without success to get help from Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), the Senator representing Ogun West for an electricity transformer. Unfortunately, we didn’t receive it, so we had to raise funds to buy it ourselves.
Maybe you can help us talk to him about the small buses we need to sell our products. This factory is our own way of engaging the youth with employment opportunities. We just need their support – at both the state and national levels.
What’s your message to the people of Ilaro, Yewa, Ogun State, and Nigeria?
I urge all cooperators and citizens across the South West and Nigeria to patronize our products. Sustainability depends heavily on regular patronage; hence we need unflinching support from both the government and the people.
Any thoughts on encouraging governments to buy in bulk and resell to their workers?
That’s a great idea. Some states like Osun are already implementing such models. Through a factory in Ilesa, they buy cassava and plantain powder to distribute to workers and supporters.
This approach keeps production going and keeps youth employed. It’s a more meaningful empowerment than simply handing out money.
Any final thoughts?
First, I thank God Almighty for making this dream a reality. I also thank Governor Dapo Abiodun for sending the Honourable Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Alhaji Ademola Balogun, to commission the factory, despite his tight schedule.
My gratitude goes to the Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, as well as the Yewa Council of Obas and the Olu Ilaro-in-Council, for their continued royal support.
Lastly, I thank the board members of Odua Cooperative Conglomerate Limited, my dear wife and children, and the entire staff of the food factory for their unwavering support.
May God grant you all your good heart desires.”
