Origin Group unveils corporate farm model to drive agric investment

Origin Automobile Works (OAW), a subsidiary of Origin Tech Group Nigeria, has unveiled a Corporate Farm Model Initiative aimed at attracting large-scale investment into agriculture and strengthening food production in the country. The initiative was launched in Lagos at an event attended by government officials, agribusiness leaders, representatives of financial institutions and farmer associations. Speaking […]

Origin Automobile Works (OAW), a subsidiary of Origin Tech Group Nigeria, has unveiled a Corporate Farm Model Initiative aimed at attracting large-scale investment into agriculture and strengthening food production in the country.

The initiative was launched in Lagos at an event attended by government officials, agribusiness leaders, representatives of financial institutions and farmer associations.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group, Prince Samuel Joseph, said the initiative was designed to reposition agriculture as a structured and profitable sector capable of contributing significantly to national economic development.

He explained that the programme is built around the vision of “100 per cent agriculture, 100 per cent value,” which, according to him, seeks to ensure that farmers benefit fully from their work while agriculture becomes a stronger driver of economic growth.

Joseph noted that the Corporate Farm model aims to attract investors into agriculture while also supporting farmers through improved access to mechanisation, financing, technology and markets.

According to him, the initiative is structured to build a coordinated agricultural ecosystem that connects production, processing and distribution.

The Chief Executive Officer of Origin Automobile Works, Leo Edwards, said the programme covers the entire agricultural value chain and is designed to improve efficiency and productivity.

He explained that the model operates through four key components.

These include Whole Farm Management, which focuses on farm development and operational management; Farm for Me, which provides managed agricultural investment opportunities for individuals and institutions; Harvest for Me, designed to optimise harvesting and improve yield; and Support for Smallholder Farmers, which offers smaller farmers access to mechanisation, inputs and markets.

Edwards said the programme also integrates mechanised farming systems and specialised equipment aimed at improving output while reducing operational risks for farmers and investors.

He added that the African Sahel region could become one of the world’s major food markets within the next five years, making agricultural investment increasingly important.

The initiative also received support from the Lagos State Government.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, commended Origin Tech Group for introducing a model she said aligns with efforts to strengthen food production and build more resilient food systems.

She noted that agriculture remains critical to economic development and food security, adding that the Lagos State Government continues to invest in agricultural hubs and partnerships aimed at improving productivity.

Also speaking at the event, the President of the Maize Association of Nigeria, Mohammed Abubakar Annur, said farmers play a crucial role in national stability and food security.

“Without farmers, there is no security,” he said, while commending ongoing investments in agricultural infrastructure.

Executive Director, South Retail Division at First Bank of Nigeria, Oluseyi Oyefeso, emphasised the need for structured financing to enable agricultural enterprises to grow sustainably.

Managing Director of EKOLOG, Femi Ajayi, described the Corporate Farm initiative as a model that could open up new investment opportunities across the agricultural value chain.