By Dayo Johnson

The Founder and Group Managing Director of a multinational agribusiness firm, Johnvents Group, Mr John Alamu, has said the company currently operates 10 factories across Ondo State, covering sourcing from farmers, local processing and the production of higher-value goods for domestic and export markets.

Alamu said that its operations in the state are aimed at reversing this trend by processing agricultural commodities closer to their source and retaining more economic value within the local economy.

Speaking during the Ondo @ 50 Golden Jubilee celebrations, the founder noted that the company, has showcased its investments in agro-processing and manufacturing as part of efforts to deepen value addition, create jobs and strengthen the state’s industrial base.

The state, according to him “as one of Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing states, noted that the commodity has largely been exported in raw form, limiting local participation in the global chocolate market for decades.

” Our operations in the state are aimed at reversing this trend by processing agricultural commodities closer to their source and retaining more economic value within the local economy.

Alamu said the integrated value chain has helped link agriculture more directly with manufacturing, while making Johnvents one of the major employers of labour in the state.

“Ondo State has grown cocoa and other crops for decades. Our focus is on processing these commodities here at home, creating jobs and building products that can compete globally,”

The founder noted that value addition goes beyond infrastructure, stressing the importance of farmers, technicians, engineers and young professionals in building a sustainable industrial economy.

“It is about people, farmers, technicians, engineers, and young professionals, who together form the foundation of a sustainable industrial economy.

“With the right policies and infrastructure, Ondo State can deepen value addition and strengthen its position in regional and global markets.”

According to him, supportive policies and infrastructure would further strengthen Ondo state’s position in regional and global markets.

Alamu said that beyond cocoa, Johnvents’ operations in the state and across its value chains cover cashew, sesame, legumes, rice, edible oil, animal feed, fast-moving consumer goods and logistics.

The company operates across several African countries and international markets, with Ondo State serving as a key hub within its global operations.

During the celebration, Johnvents congratulated the people and government of Ondo State on the Golden Jubilee and also congratulated Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on his first year in office.

“Ondo at 50 is a moment of pride for the people of the state. We commend the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the state continues to strengthen its economic and industrial foundation,” Alamu said.

Alamu noted that “sustained investment in agro-processing, infrastructure and skills development will be critical as Ondo state looks to convert its agricultural strengths into long-term economic growth over the next 50 years.