5 Richest Yoruba Men in Agriculture

Agriculture is a vital sector that plays a crucial role in the economic development and food security of any nation. In Nigeria, the Yoruba people, one of the largest ethnic groups in the country, have made notable contributions to the agricultural landscape. From successful entrepreneurs to visionary policymakers, Yoruba men in agriculture have emerged as influential figures in the country, driving innovation, sustainability, and productivity. 

While their efforts have not only transformed the agricultural sector within Nigeria but have also garnered recognition on a global scale. In this article, we will explore the accomplishments and contributions of some of the richest Yoruba men in agriculture, highlighting their significant roles in shaping the agricultural landscape in Nigeria and beyond.

Olusegun Obasanjo

Obasanjo Farm Nigeria Limited, owned by Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria began farming in 1979 in Sango Ota, Ogun State. He started with a two-layer house with several breeder birds and broiler houses. The farm has grown over the years with a rapidly increased network and he reportedly makes about N34 million daily from the farm.

Obasanjo farm has about 7,000 workers and two feed mills, with one branch in Igbo-Ora and the other in Ibadan. Aside from being the former head of state, Obasanjo is one of the richest Yoruba men in Agriculture in the country.

Rotimi Williams

As the owner of Kereksuk Rice Farm, Rotimi Williams is one of the richest men in the agricultural sector in the country. The renowned former journalist’s rice farm, situated in Nasarawa in the northern part of Nigeria is the second-largest commercial rice farm by land size in the country as of now.

Rotimi’s farm size is 45,000 acres and employs about 600 Natives of Nasarawa while contributing to the Nation’s food security and labour force as a result of its size. With competent and experienced workers, Rotimi’s rice farm serves as a source of inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to move into agriculture.

Kolawole Adeniji

Engineer Kolawole Adeniji, founder, president and CEO of Niji Group delved into business when he started out as a small-scale business called Niji Lukas. As one of the top richest farmers in Nigeria, Adeniji’s farm has solidified his position with vast expertise in cassava farming, having started on a 500-acre land.

Being an engineer, Adenii’s expertise has played a pivotal role in minimising expenses related to the procurement and upkeep of machinery utilised on his farm. As a result, Adenii’s farm has experienced substantial growth and evolved into a prominent conglomerate comprising six subsidiaries: Food Processing, Agribusiness Education, Farm Mechanization, Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing, Farming, and Hospitality.

Funmilayo Agbato

As the founder and CEO of Animal Care Services Konsult Nigeria Limited also known as ACSK, Funmilayo Agbato is one of the richest farmers in the country. Founded in 1979, the company specialises in animal nutrition, animal production, and animal health.

ACSK is one of the leading providers of veterinary products and services in the country due to her innovative and entrepreneurial approach. The company’s large commercial farm produces high quality eggs and poultry meat for the local market in the country. In 2012, Funmilayo Agbato earned the Nigerian Order of Merit in Agriculture.

Tunde Folawiyo

Nigerian businessman and managing director of Folawiyo Group of Companies, Tunde Folawiyo is another top Yoruba man striving in the agricultural sector. The company was founded in 1957 by his late father, Wahab Folawiyo with interests in oil and gas, real estate, agriculture, and telecommunication.

Tunde’s sustainable business practice had helped to continue to expand his father conglomerate in nigeria and other countries