The Executive Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Hadji Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf, alongside the council management, received the team from Eight Orbit Urban Farms, a United States-based company, led by Dr. Christina T. Igono, today in his office.
The meeting aimed to advance discussions on the proposed introduction of AI-Engineered Farming in Ifelodun Local Government.
Dr. Christina T. Igono, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Eight Orbit Urban Farms, was accompanied by Mr. Kingsley Pius, Business Operations Manager (Africa), and Mallam Adamu Ndanusa.
The delegation outlined the merits of adopting AI-driven farming technologies in Kwara State, with a specific focus on Ifelodun Local Government.
Dr. Igono described Eight Orbit Urban Farms as a research-driven, high-tech indoor-outdoor farming company dedicated to addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges. The company employs artificial intelligence technologies to enable year-round production of sustainable crops, including fruits, vegetables, and staple foods.
“We are targeting some states in Nigeria, with Kwara among them, and Ifelodun Local Government as a key focus. We are here to finalize our plans and aim to begin site clearing by March 2024, pending the approval of the MOU,” she stated.
Mallam Adamu Ndanusa emphasized that the primary crops for the project would be tomatoes and rice, with plans to expand to other crops based on economic and ecological considerations. He commended the Chairman for prioritizing agriculture and fostering an environment conducive to innovation.
In response, the Chairman expressed his strong support for the initiative and reiterated his administration’s commitment to agricultural development.
“As a local government, we have sponsored training programs for our people on agriculture and AI-related fields. We have also prioritized dry-season farming and other initiatives to promote agriculture in the region. This project is a welcome development, and we are ready to support it wholeheartedly,” he said.
“We have ample fertile land, a friendly community, and an accommodating environment to host this project,” he added.
Present at the meeting were Vice Chairman, Hon. Nike Ajibola; DPM, Mallam Idris Ibrahim; Development Officer, Hon. Ayanshola Benjamin; and Chief of Staff Chief Ademola Zubair.