Origin Automobile Works Launches Corporate Farm Initiative to Boost Agricultural Investment, Food Security
Origin Automobile Works (OAW), a subsidiary of Origin Tech Group Nigeria, has launched a Corporate Farm Model Initiative aimed at transforming agriculture, attracting large-scale investment, and strengthening food security across the country.
The initiative was unveiled at an event held in Lagos which brought together government officials, agribusiness leaders, financial institutions, and farmer associations to discuss the future of agriculture in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch, Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group, Prince Samuel Joseph, said the initiative was designed to reposition agriculture as a structured and profitable sector rather than a subsistence activity.
He explained that the vision of the programme is anchored on the principle of “100 per cent Agriculture, 100 per cent Value,” noting that farmers must receive full economic benefits from their labour while agriculture becomes a sustainable driver of national prosperity.
According to him, the Corporate Farm model will attract serious investors and support large-scale farming through the integration of technology, mechanisation, financing and market access.
Chief Executive Officer of OAW, Leo Edwards, described the initiative as a comprehensive agricultural framework designed to address the entire value chain from production to market access.
He explained that the programme operates through four strategic pillars: Whole Farm Management, which focuses on farm development and operations; Farm for Me, which offers managed agricultural investment opportunities; Harvest for Me, which provides harvesting and yield optimisation services; and Support for Smallholder Farmers, aimed at improving access to mechanisation, farm inputs and markets.
Edwards noted that the initiative incorporates mechanisation and a robust equipment ecosystem while leveraging strategic market segmentation to minimise risks and maximise productivity and profitability.
He added that the African Sahel region could emerge as one of the world’s major food markets within the next five years, making investment in agriculture increasingly important.
The initiative received endorsement from the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems. In her goodwill message, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, commended Origin Tech Group for demonstrating private sector leadership in strengthening Nigeria’s food systems.
She noted that agriculture remains fundamental to economic development and human survival, adding that initiatives such as the Corporate Farm Model align with Lagos State’s commitment to building resilient food systems and expanding agricultural opportunities.
Also speaking at the event, President of the Maize Association of Nigeria, Mohammed Abubakar Annur, emphasised the critical role of farmers in ensuring national security, stating that “without farmers, there is no security.”
Stakeholders from the financial sector also expressed support for the initiative. Executive Director, South Retail Division at First Bank of Nigeria, Oluseyi Oyefeso, highlighted the importance of structured financing in scaling agricultural enterprises.
Managing Director of EKOLOG, Femi Ajayi, described the Corporate Farm initiative as a forward-looking model capable of unlocking new investment opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
The launch also featured a panel discussion moderated by Director of News at TVC News, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, where participants discussed the economic potential of agriculture and opportunities for investors and agripreneurs.
During the session, Prince Joseph revealed that Origin Tech Group is working towards enabling Lagos to begin local production of fresh milk within the next two years, a move expected to reduce dependence on imported dairy products.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the Corporate Farm initiative would help transform agriculture into a major driver of economic growth, job creation and food security in Nigeria.
