The Council Chairman expressed his gratitude to the Izindonga group and Maya foods following his visit to South Africa in December,2025 to assess their operations and agribusiness model, with the aim of forming a partnership in replicating the same technology driven, well structured and inclusive agricultural system, one that integrates production, processing and value chain development in a seamless and sustainable manner.
Amb. Ogunsola, FCPA explained that, what motivated him was the deliberate inclusion of small holder farmers through an outgrower scheme, supported by modern infrastructure, access to finance and efficient market linkages.
"Today we are here to begin the replication of IZINDONGA GROUP in Obafemi Owode Local Government, as the initiative is part of our efforts to complement His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Governor of Ogun State as well as that of Federal Government of Nigeria", he stated.
He further emphasized his mission to transform Obafemi Owode Local Government into a leading agroindustrial hub in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.
"We are committed to leveraging our farm land, strategic location and hardworking population to drive food security , youth empowerment,create employment and boost internally generated revenue", he added.
He stressed that Obafemi Owode Local Government is strategically positioned as one of the fastest growing economic hubs of Ogun State, blessed with vast agricultural resources, fertile land, hardworking people and enormous investment potentials.
"Let me assure our partners that Obafemi Owode Local Government is fully committed to providing an enabling environment for this investment to thrive, we will facilitate access to farmland, ensure community cooperation, maximum security and work closely with all relevant stakeholders to remove bottlenecks and promote ease of doing business", he concluded.
Responding, Zakhele Maya, CEO and Leader of the Izindonga Group and Maya Foods appreciated the privileged and warm reception accorded him and his team. He acknowledged that the visit marked a great milestone in the partnership of two giants of Africa.
He explained that the level of their confidence in pursuing the project has increased materially since the visit of the council boss in December last year.
He said it is the first time their company is engaging in direct investment in Nigeria, as the unrelenting effort of the Chairman, Obafemi Owode Local Government has collectively reinforced their commitment to move forward with great certainty and strategic focus.
"Let me say this here in the presence of everyone that we feel your commitment, leadership and your stewardship, Izindonga Group had a clear mandate since 2004 to build a resilient African owned agribusiness enterprises that deliver food security, create employment, and deliver agricultural value chains", he stated.
Zehkele Maya explained that Izindonga Group and Maya Foods have evolved fully into integrated poultry and food processing enterprises, covering production, processing, logistics and other manufacturing, as their vision is for African transforming from primary production to industrial scale, value driven agricultural system.
"Our engagement with Obafemi Owode Local Government is not transactional, it is strategic and long-term investment as we observed Ogun State as an important potential investment destination, characterized by strong leadership, policy alignments.
Delivering his goodwill message, Engr. Akeem Babatunde Adesina, Special Adviser to Governor on Public works commended Amb. Ogunsola for his outstanding performance in the development of Obafemi Owode Local Government, as he disclosed that his performance surpassed his record when he served as the council chairman over 17 years ago, backed among other speakers at the occasion were, HRH Oba Aremu Fatai Sowemimo,Olu of Owode Egba, Chief Emmanuel Idowu Olude,APC Chairman OOLG,Hon.Olusola Otesile,Hon Mutai Ajayi.
