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  • Greenhouse initiative to boost vegetable output, create jobs

    Greenhouse initiative to boost vegetable output, create jobs

    National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) has established a  greenhouse farming initiative to boost vegetable production, empowering young people, and supporting women farmers.

    Speaking after inspecting the greenhouse farm at University of Abuja, Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Cornelius Adebayo, said the project approved by President Bola Tinubu, would address challenges with vegetable production and distribution.

    “The greenhouse project is in three phases because we realised that one of the major problems we have with vegetables is that we depend too much on seasonal production,” he said.

    “We approached Mr President for approval, which he gave, for mega high-tech greenhouses in the country.”

    He noted that the project involves establishment of three high-tech, temperature-controlled greenhouses in strategic locations, with several net-house greenhouses in Abuja and Ogun State.

    “In Giri, Abuja, we have about 20 units with one nursery. In Sagamu, Ogun, we have 30 units with another nursery.

     “Each site also includes a packing house for cleaning and packaging produce, cold storage facilities, and full solar energy functionality.”

    Adebayo said the idea behind the greenhouse clusters is to make vegetables available closer to consumers and reduce the cost of transportation and post-harvest losses.

    “The greenhouses are strategically located to serve major markets like Abuja and Lagos,” he said. “We are also supporting other greenhouse owners in Sagamu and Epe to increase their capacity.”

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    He noted that the facilities will be managed by young farmers, with each youth allocated two net houses to operate as independent agripreneurs under NALDA’s supervision.

    “Most facilities will be handed over to young people who understand how to run them,” he said. “The idea is to engage youth productively while ensuring food availability.”

    The second layer targets women farmers, who will engage in open-field vegetable cultivation.

    “We plan 10 hectares of open-field vegetable farming per constituency,” he said.

    “For every 10 hectares, 100 women will get plots for pepper, tomatoes, and greens. We’re providing land clearing, irrigation, packing houses, and cold storage to support them.”

    He said 16 pilot locations including Cross River, Taraba, Plateau, and Gombe are being cleared, with irrigation systems and others to follow.

    He added that the Abuja greenhouse farm will be launched and fully operational by December 2025, while other sites are scheduled to follow early next year.

    “By December, this facility will be fully functional,” he confirmed. “We’ve already started enlisting farmers to manage the structures, and our officials will monitor compliance with best practices.”

    Addressing safety concerns, Adebayo clarified that greenhouse farming is entirely safe and organic.

    “It’s just atmospheric condition control,” he said. “It’s normal, very safe, and cleaner. Plants simply need the right environment to thrive, and that’s what we’re providing. This allows year-round vegetable production.”

    He also emphasised that the initiative is not a loan scheme but a government-backed empowerment programme designed to remove infrastructural barriers that hinder farmers.

    “At NALDA, we believe that if you can solve infrastructural problems for farmers, you’ve solved most of their problems,” he stated. “Government is not in the business of business; our job is to create the environment for business to thrive.”

    On the number of beneficiaries, Adebayo said at least 10 young farmers would operate the first 20 greenhouses in Abuja, with plans to expand to 50 units in both Abuja and Shagamu. He appealed to state governments and communities to provide more land to scale the project.

    He further explained that NALDA’s model is designed to ensure price stability for vegetables through structured clusters and coordinated offtake arrangements.

    “When you have a big enough cluster, you can manage price control indirectly,” he said. “We know the cost of production, what the offtaker earns, and what we expect to see in the market. That way, we can help stabilise prices without imposing government price controls.”

    He added that the initiative aligns with NALDA’s broader vision to decentralise food production, reduce post-harvest losses, and promote urban agriculture near major cities.

    “Outside every major city in the world, you see clusters of greenhouses supplying that city. As the giant of Africa, we should do no less,” he said.

    “Our goal is to ensure that fresh vegetables are available and affordable for Nigerians year-round.”

    The NALDA greenhouse project will produce tomatoes, peppers, avocados, and other vegetables, with training opportunities for interested youths through collaborations with universities and agricultural departments.

    “You don’t need a master’s degree to manage a greenhouse,” Adebayo said. “You just need passion and proper training and NALDA will provide that.”

    He further noted that the initiative demonstrates NALDA’s commitment to empowering youth and women, boosting food security, and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural resilience.

  • Greenhouse produces 4,200t vegetable product

    Nigeria’s biggest greenhouse, the Wells Hosa greenhouse has produced 4,200 tonnes of various vegetables meeting International standards.

    Chairman of Wells Hosa, Captain Idahosa Okunbo, who stated this,  said the greenhouse covers eight hecters fully covered land and another eight hecters indoor greenhouse.

    Okunbo, who spoke in Abuja while unveiling the Wells Carlton Hotel and Luxury Apartments, said the new hotel employs over 300 people directly and hundreds more indirectly.

    He said, “It is my hope that through what we have created today, I can in my own modest way contribute to our national development like I have done with the Wells Hosa greenhouse, which is the biggest greenhouse in Nigeria, which us presently eight hecters, fully covered and another eight hecters in the building, so we have about 16-17 hecters of covered greenhouses, producing 4,200 tonnes of various vegetables that meets international standards.

  • Dizengoff, others set up greenhouse farming fund

    Dizengoff Nigeria in partnership with Best Foods Fresh Farms Ltd and Apel Capital & Trust has set up an agriculture investment fund that will support and finance modern greenhouse farming for has been set by  for investors.

    The fund is a development programme that includes a range of services and financing and non-financing facilities to encourage farmers to introduce greenhouse farming  and modern agricultural techniques, and contribute to the food security system.

    As part of the project, Dizengoff will deliver to Best Foods Farms 10 units of greenhouses to set up a demo/model farm at Igbodu in Epe where Best Foods Farms already have a farm.

    Apel Capital & Trust will act as trustee for this investment fund. Fund is targeting to achieve 35 percent return for investors who are investing into the fund. The minimum investment required is N500,000.

    Best Foods Fresh Farms Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Emmanuel Ijewere, said: “The scheme, which will be managed by a trustee (Apel Capital), is expected to bring a group of investors’ funds together with the aim of investing in the agricultural sector to generate more profits”.

    Ijewere explained: “Our main purpose of establishing the modern greenhouse farm, is to create a profitable state-of-the-art functional structure in the center of the West African commercial capital, by providing simple innovative and effective farming methods to produce and supply high quality, fresh produce not just to our outlets, but to the broader market of Lagos Metropolis.

    “Apel Capital & Trust will act as Trustees of the Fund for the Project. Therefore, your investment will go into operating greenhouses and open field cultivation of short-term horticultural produce for both the Lagos market and environs.

    He urged those who want to join the scheme to contact his firm.

    Dizengoff Chief  Executive/Country Manager, Mr. Antti Ritvonen said: “As the technical partner on this project, Dizengoff will focus on its area competency, which is to ensure bountiful production all year round, thereby giving investors value for their investment.

  • Making profitable use of greenhouse

    Making profitable use of greenhouse

    There is a growing interest in greenhouse farming. Experts say with a little effort, one can start a greenhouse that will enhance the environment and bring in profits. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    To manage the challenges of  rainfall, degraded land and decreasing land sizes, farmers have been urged to go for greenhouse.

    Making the call, Dizengoff Nigeria’s  Integrated Project Manager, Sustainable Livelihoods, Mr. Oscar Walumbe, said acquiring a greenhouse is a most satisfying endeavour.

    He spoke to reporters at the company’s media field day in Lagos.

    Walumbe said a greenhouse, a protected space for growing vegetables, plants and crops,  is a prime real estate, so one should choose crops  to maximise profits and produce crops that don’t do well outside .

    He said one advantage of using greenhouse is that farmers can grow vegetables and crops at any time of the year – when they can’t be grown outdoors. This is because it allows them to extend the seasons and produce  a wide range of vegetables.

    Greenhouse cultivation, he said, enables farmers to grow their crops under optimised and standardised conditions, which protects the plants from pests and bad weather.

    He advised farmers using greenhouse to grow out-of-season crops such as tomatoes, lettuce, basil, and other vegetables where they can command high prices in the market.

    In choosing what type of plants to grow for profit, Walumbe advised that one must figure out the right combination of profitable plant varieties, sizes, and quantities.

    Walumbe said:  “Our greenhouse is essentially a controlled environment limiting the devastating effects of insect pests and diseases that ravage vegetables including tomatoes. It is not rain-fedbut brain-fed, as it comes complete with a customised drip irrigation system. With little amount of land space and water, you are sure to get a yield far higher than your traditional open field production.”

    Oscar continued: “Nigeria consumes over 2.3 million tonnes of tomatoes annually, while it produces about 1.8 million tonnes locally. However, only 50 percent (0.9 million tonnes) of the produce makes it from farm to fork, thereby creating an immediate gap of 1.4 million tonnes to filled. This gap in essentially filled via importation, a scenario which puts more pressure on the demand for the already scarce US dollars. Nigerians can now leverage on the immense opportunity offered by the Dizengoff Farmers’ Kit so we can limit the foreign exchange spent on importing tomatoes annually while also providing employment for our teeming but unemployed youths”.

    Though people think greenhouse farming is too expensive, he believes  it seems  so because of the initial investment in buying the materials for the structure which could run up to N1.5 million.

    He explained, however, that the expenses are easily offset by the high yields that a farmer makes from the investment. The  Marketing Communications Manager, Dizengoff Nigeria, Humphrey Otalor, said:  “As a company, we see the huge employment opportunity the greenhouse has created for Nigerians, both directly and indirectly and we believe that with participation from both the private and public sectors, the DFK will create about 1000 jobs directly and indirectly in the next 2 years”.

    He added: “Our strategy in bridging the gap in tomatoes production is to ensure that farming is made attractive even among our youths, through modern technology with the greenhouse farming concept and access to quality inputs and technical support. We know that there are readily available markets for the quality of tomatoes produces in our greenhouses.”

  • Onobrakpeya leads GreenHouse Centre’s exhibition

    Onobrakpeya leads GreenHouse Centre’s exhibition

    At 83, celebrated master artist Bruce Onobrakpeya remains true to his art. After featuring in diverse exhibitions last month, this art maestro, who marked his birthday on August 30, will be leading another exhibition this Saturday  in Ogun State.

    The Delta State-born artist is  celebrated for blazing the trail in printmaking, etching, painting and sculpting. He first came into prominence during his years at the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, which has since mutated to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. It was there, he  joined the Zaria Arts Society, a year after he was enrolled at the tertiary institution. He has since become a legend in the art world.

    Onobrakpeya is both the guest artist and keynote speaker at the a fasting GreenHouse Art Empowerment Centre’s forthcoming group art exhibition titled: Nigerian visual artists and politics and the  presentation of the GreenHouse Art Journal which has theme Visual Art Empowerment.

    Having Onobrakpeya at the spotlight of both event the founder, GreenHouse Art Empowerment Centre, Prince Theresa Iyase-Odozi said, was borne out of the recognition of the artist’s achievements and contributions to the development of the arts sector, especially in Africa. According to her, the master artist “remains an inspiration to me and many artists across the country”.

    Etched in an estate that goes by the name St Lucy in Olambe, an Ogun State suburb, the arresting GreenHouse Art Empowerment Centre has gradually become a one-stop spot promoting and supporting artists. The centre, which also promotes the education of the indigent members of the Olambe community, is ran by an artist, Princess Theresa Iyase-Odozi, along with her husband, Victor Odozi, a former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Established on December 22, 2012, the   Centre is notable for its art-related activities and skill-acquisition programmes. It has since become a “Tourist Centre” which people/families visit for relaxation and in the process learn about art history at a glance.

    According to Iyase-Odozi, the establishment of the centre was borne out of the desire to contribute and enhance society, adding that the exhibition is one of the ways it is promoting the arts and artists.

    She said: “It is always a pleasure to showcase Nigeria’s best in the arts to the world. Nigeria is blessed with people of diverse artistic talents. We really hope the government would tap into the wealth the sector holds. The journey towards the opening of the Centre started with the GreenHouse Art Gallery which was established in 2009 at Olambe. Our mission is to promote Nigerian Art and artists and to empower the youths, women and other disadvantaged groups in society by providing them with skills in arts and crafts for self and paid-employment.”

    In addition to Onobrakpeya, the exhibition, which will run till November, will be showcasing works of 12 renowned  artists in various artistic skills, including: installations, painting, watercolour, textile, ceramics/pottery, mixed-media, sculpture and photography.

    They include: Sam Ovraiti, Ato Arinze, Princess Theresa Iyase-Odozi, Dr Mabel Oluremi Awogbade, Stella Awoh, K.K.Olojo, Juliet Ezenwa Pearce, Bolaji Ogunwo, Stella Ubigho, Oke Ibem Oke and Evelyn Osagie. There will also be the formal unveiling of the maiden edition of GreenHouse Art Journal at the occasion.

    Similarly on the same day, Mrs Iyase-Odozi’s will be holding her third solo exhibition,  titled: Spiritual Contemplation, in a canopied space within the premises of her residence.

  • Farmers explore greenhouse farming to increase food security

    Farmers explore greenhouse farming to increase food security

    Faced with unpredictable weather conditions, many Nigerians are turning to greenhouse farming technology to increase food production and supplement their income. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

    To boost food production, farmers have been in search of crops cultivation technologies that would help them control the climate for their plants 24 hours a day.

    This will allow their plants grow strong, healthy and big. One of these is under net houses. Net houses are framed or inflated structures covered with transparent or translucent material large enough to grow crops under partial or full controlled environmental conditions to get optimum growth and productivity. Net house farming, also known as greenhouses is fast gaining popularity among farmers because it enables them grow exotic vegetables, flowers and fruits throughout the year and help to  improve the depleting water table. This means farmers can grow crops  anytime  of the year and make the most use of land. The  technology gives plants exactly what they need – the perfect climate, the right amount of light, the right amount of nutrition, exact amounts of water and carbon dioxide and  proper ventilation.

    According to experts, the yield under greenhouse cultivation can be achieved to the level of 5-8 times as compared to the open crop cultivation which is two times.

    Also, it is possible to harvest a single crop round year with minimum additional inputs and higher income can be generated.

    Vegetables and flowers grown under greenhouses have given high returns and top quality produced. The potential of floriculture under protected cultivation is huge for global markets.

    One of the companies that have adopted greenhouse farming is Vegefresh Company Limited, an indigenous producer of tomato paste. This is to help the company achieve the goals of its National Integrated Tomato Development Programme which has commenced in Ogun and other states of the federation.

    The company farms and processes tomatoes. The addition of green houses enables it to produce tomatoes all year round.

    Its Chairman, Mr. Samuel Johnson Samuel said the  company  acquired greenhouses to enable it produce tomato year round and provide raw materials for its tomato processing plants.

    Under the net houses, the plants are protected from wind, precipitation, excess radiation and temperature. The other benefits are that crops of good quality and higher yield can be grown, water requirement is very less, while the low labour-intensive method helps in controlling pests and diseases.

    Indeed, Samuel is excited about his tomato project having seen the potential of a year-long harvest to service his tomato processing business. Though acquiring it costs some few millions, the facilities provide atmosphere for growth that is unaffected by outside changes.

    Due to very little sunlight access, humidity of the fertiliser is maintained, external insects and organisms that harm a plant don’t enter it and plant growth is even due to same climatic condition.

    To date, greenhouse farming has proved popular with big farmers and investors, who find it suitable for labour-intensive food production. The facility providers believe greenhouses represent potential growth market for a variety of economical, environmentally technical and ecological reasons and they are taking advantage of this to grow their businesses.

    An example is Dizengoff West Africa Nigeria, a member of the United Kingdom Balton CP Group and few of the organisations that have introduced greenhouse farming system into the market.

    For the company, if Nigeria has to emerge as an economic power, agricultural productivity should equal those countries, which are currently rated as economic powers of the world.

    To this end, the sector needs a new and effective technology which can improve continuously the productivity, profitability, sustainability of the farming system. One such technology is the greenhouse technology.

    Consequently, the company is training farmers and entrepreneurs on the use of its greenhouse technology for fresh vegetable production.

    The training focused on the production and post-harvest management of vegetables such as tomatoes, pepper and cucumber using the greenhouse technology.

    Its Marketing Communications Manager, Humphrey Otalor said the company has over 300 greenhouses across Nigeria.

    His words: “Over the past one year, we have engaged well over 200 greenhouse owners through a systemic training, which are both in theory and practical with the aim of helping farmers grow fresh vegetables in season and out of season, as well as helping them understand the different soil topography. With our greenhouses, farmers are able to grow their income levels, by growing fresh vegetable all year round: such are tomatoes, pepper, cucumber and sweet-melon. Also, some use our greenhouse for research purposes.”

    Dizengoff greenhouse technology otherwise called ‘Dizengoff Farmers Kit’ is aimed at providing farmers with an all year round technique to produce and increase the yields of greenhouse crops such as tomatoes, pepper, cucumber and sweet-melon as well as provide steady incomes for the farmers. It also involves transfer of knowledge to the farmers to improve the quality of their produce, reduce field losses and ensure higher profits.

    Presently, a number of farmers who have adopted the Dizengoff Farmer’s Kit are already enjoying high productivity from the system and most of them believe that with the increased demand of such crops in the market, the Kit, which is now widely being adopted, will help meet the rising demand.

    In terms of affordability, Otalor said the greenhouses are affordable and they are also talking to some banks, to provide loans for interested farmers on a single digit interest rate. While the technology has been associated with wealthy individuals, this is changing, thanks to many initiatives to produce low cost greenhouse to support small scale farms in urban and rural areas venturing into tomato and pepper growing.

    One of the farmers driving this change is Adewale Okunoye. He is an agric engineer by training. He is developing low- cost greenhouses. Okunoye, Chief Executive, Asher Ventures and Specialities, has successfully cultivated a variety of crops at his greenhouse set up at Ajah,Lagos.

    Though cheap compared to others, Okunoye has been able to achieve the objective of cultivating vegetables under a locally made greenhouse which still offer controlled conditions for the growth of different varieties of vegetables. Before he went into farming, he was into building/construction project management.

    His greenhouse, made up of low materials can be used to grow tomato, sweet peppers,orange, cucumber and vegetables. Apart from these, it can be used to cultivate varieties of flowers.

    Agricultural experts said cultivating fruits, flowers and vegetables in the greenhouse year-round requires maintaining a favourable temperature inside the greenhouse for the plants. He is happy he is able to achieve this.

    People aware of advantages of greenhouses have been approaching him to set up greenhouses at their farms and fields.

    Okunoye went into greenhouse constructing after quitting a career in building construction. Along the line, he thought of tomato cultivation. But he realised tomato farming is better done through greenhouse. With a greenhouse, he can extend tomato growing season to three crop cycles.

    Although greenhouses were available outside the country when he was starting, they were too large and too expensive for rural farmers. He thought of a way out. His words: “I got the idea of using local materials partially from my trip to East Africa in my quest to acquire the capacity to deploy the greenhouse cultivation technology. I took extensive and expensive tours around tomato greenhouse operations and from what I saw, with my background as an engineer, and my experience in construction, I came to the conclusion that I could try something similar in Nigeria.”

    After failed trials, Okunoye has produced a perfectly functional type. With all hardwares, it costs just N700,000. To produce for someone, he promised to do it for N800,000. The area of the greenhouse is 200m2. He opted for improvised greenhouses with lower maintenance costs that uses water more efficiently and one that can be easily moved to cut on setup costs.

    His dream is to produce a greenhouse for 400,000 naira.

    To Okunoye, greenhouse farming has opened a new chapter in his life. He is able to provide food for his family and educate his children. His passion and use of cheap materials is what has driven him to attain success so far.

  • EU to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40%

    EU to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40%

    The  European Union (EU)  promised  to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2030.

    The Ambassador/ Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, Michel Arrion, made the declaration at the European Climate Change Diplomacy Day  in Abuja yesterday.

    He said the EU is not viewing climate change as just a problem for Europe but a global challenge.

    He said: “ The actions that different countries can take to tackle the problem, and how to increase public awareness. As representatives of different European countries present in Nigeria, this is also a chance for us to consider how Nigeria can respond to that threat.

    “ The EU has itself already made a strong commitment, promising that by 2030 we will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 per cent based on 1990 levels.

    “There is wide spread international agreement that action needs to be taken to limit the ruse in global temperatures to less than two degrees. “At its simplest Africa has many areas that are low-lying close to the sea – many of which you know are in Nigeria.  These are areas that over decades will be certainly adversely affected.  So as climate change slowly takes effect with a steady rise in sea levels this is certainly a problem that is going to affect Africa and Nigeria.

    “In sum, if we recognise that we have a problem; we know it is going to affect us all; we know that we can grow and cut greenhouse emissions; then with this knowledge we know we all need to act.  And today is a day to encourage that action; and to remind us that we have the tools to act.”

  • ‘Climate change not caused by greenhouse emissions’

    A specialist in cropping systems from the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT),Federal University of Agriculture,Abeokuta, Prof Philip Adetiloye, has faulted the widely-held opinion that green house emissions are responsible for climate change.

    The Don made this declaration during the 45th Inaugural Lecture of the University, titled From Grass to Grace: An Exposition on Western and Traditional Cropping Systems.

    According to Adetiloye, research findings had confirmed that climate change was caused by aerial bombing wars and not by green house emissions that western scientists had claimed to be the cause of climate change and that the analysis of climate data over the various latitudes in Nigeria had indicated that climate change became noticeable from the 1990s.

    “The large variation continued to date. This sudden change in climate exhibits a distinct pattern and was more in the Northern States than in the South. Temperature rise of nine  and five degree centigrade had been recorded in the North and South respectively, due to climate change. In  the South, the pattern of variations appeared more diffuse. These two major findings confirm my earlier press conferences (2011 and 2014) that climate change is caused by aerial bombing war zones in the Middle East as Africans suffer the effects of this climate change more than any continent,” he stated.

    Adetiloye disclosed that agricultural research started from the colonial days by focusing on the Western mode of cropping systems, which was highly dependent on input of chemical fertilisers, insecticides and herbicides in mono-cultural cropping. “It was not until the early 70s that significant research efforts were directed by scientists towards understanding why African farmers prefer complex, multiple cropping system to the relatively simple sole cropping method, that is commonly practiced in Western and highly industrialised countries,” he stated.

    He enumerated the importance of agro-climatology, the role of crop physiology and goals of Cropping System to include improved productivity in terms of crop yield and income, achievement of sustainable yield and sustainable land use, increased yield stability with hazards of drought and equitable use of resources all year round.

    He noted that agriculture; a multi-disciplinary science required a thorough understanding of various science disciplines that were required for a proper understanding of the performance, growth, development and productivity of crops and livestock.

  • GreenHouse holds art workshop

    A five-day workshop for art teachers is being organised by Iyase-Odozi Training & Conferences, under the auspices of Green House Art Empowerment Centre, Olambe, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    The yearly event, billed for July 22 to 26, is to foster a competent, efficient and results-oriented approach by art teachers in primary/secondary schools in the host community of Olambe and beyond. Its theme is Empowering art teachers

    According to a statement by the organisers, a strong team of art scholars and seasoned professionals will facilitate the conference/workshop, which is one of the several initiatives being pursued by the centre to expose participants to emerging methodological approaches and trends in art education and the qualities of a good art teacher.

    “It will also provide insights on effective classroom management skills and create a rare opportunity for experience sharing and networking by art teachers,” the statement said.

    Green House Art Empowerment Centre is a non-governmental organisation established in 2009. Its primary purpose is to promote Nigerian arts and artists and empower the youths, women and other disadvantaged groups in society by providing them with skills in art and crafts for self- and paid-employment.

  • GreenHouse opens in Ogun

    GreenHouse opens in Ogun

    The GreenHouse Art Empowerment Centre has been opened to the public. The event attracted dignitaries, reports Evelyn Osagie.

    •Govt to link art centre with expressway

    Although the people of Olambe in Ogun State, woke up to a hazy harmattan morning last Saturday, little did they know that it was going to be a day they would host dignitaries from all walks of life, including top government officials led by Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

    Not even the rough and dusty roads could prevent the visitors from thronging the GreenHouse Art Empowerment Centre in St. Lucy Estate, Olambe. Guests left with the assurance from government that the road and, indeed, others like it across the state would soon be rehabilitated.

    The Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Asiru, who represented Governor Amosun, said: “When I was coming here, I saw what you have been going through. The governor and I used one day to go through, Ota, Okearo, Ijoko, Alagbado, Sango, Ifo roads; and the government is going to construct the road from Ota through Ijoko, Alagbado to Akute, and a bridge that would link the expressway. It would cost N40 billion and the contract has already been awarded. When we start doing the roads many houses would go.”

    He praised the initiators of the art centre, saying it was inspiring that they chose to establish it in the state and not in their states. He urged others to take a cue from them.

    The massive structure is a sight to behold. The multipurpose art hub, now christened GreenHouse Art Empowerment Centre, a subsidiary of GreenHouse Plaza Limited, houses an art gallery, museum, resource centre, and training/empowerment centre, among others.

    The mural heads of two Benin kings with the OriOlokun and Queen Idia heads, (both signifying the marriage of the ancient kingdom) that came as worthy complement with other murals, welcomed guests to the unveiling of the multi-million naira edifice.

    While they were still savouring its artistic milieu on the outside, on entering the inside, they were completely blown away by what the saw as they were taken on a tour around the edifice.

    The event also featured, on the ground floor, a solo art exhibition of its initiator, Princess Tessy Iyase-Odozi, comprising of the installations, photography and paintings. It would run till the end of January. Olambe seems to form the greater part of exhibition’s motifs, featuring several themes and artworks inspired by the place. Guests were shocked to find the trees uprooted in the site as part of the installations on display. The work, Sunset at Olambe also had an effect on guests. “What better way to show we are at peace in the area than to replicate it in my art,” Iyase-Odozi said. And by the end of most of the works had already been ordered for, it was learnt.

    The empowerment centre, according to her, is meant to train, empower and touch lives, especially those of the less-privileged in the area. And subsequently, they would be training art educators, it was learnt. She said: “In all, the centre would be empowering everybody in various arts and craft: women, youths, children and anybody who is willing to learn. Although the centre is not a money-making project but participants would pay a token to engender a sense of commitment in them.”

    The second and third floors house the founder’s private collection, comprising of her works and that of other artists like Oladele Awosoga, Oyesanya Bunmi Ayaoge, Ogunwo Bolaji, etc; the art museum (ancient and contemporary), in which work is still in progress; and the empowerment centre housing conference and classrooms, among others.

    The structure, its blend of colours and artistry goes to show how deep and imaginative its founder is, it was said. They also observed that it was a project that would have fitted perfectly in the hub of business activities such as Lagos.

    “This is a massive and fantastic structure that has been put up here,” Skye Bank Chairman, Mr Tunde Ayeni, had exclaimed. He said the project would not just serve humanity but bring development to the community. But that was not the first time, Ayeni, who also chaired the event, would be visiting the centre. In fact, he was also impressed when he had first visited.

    He was captivated by the spread of art works particularly within the place. “The first time I came to visit Mr Victor Odozi, I was admiring the artworks and was surprised when he told me that all the paintings were done by his wife. And when he told me of this project which was under construction then, I was impressed. Most people would have gladly put this kind of edifice in the city centres such as Lagos. This is like giving back to the society. With its establishment here, it would attract far more development which is good for the community,” he said.

    It was apparent that his bank came with its full weight to support the centre as other members of its board were also there, which included the Group Managing Director, Mr Kehinde Durosimi-Etti; the executive directors, Mr Michael Terfa and Mrs Amaka, among others. It was, then, no surprise since the founder’s hubby, Mr Victor Odozi, is also on the bank’s board.

    “The art project would fulfil its purpose here than if it were located in the city. It represents a new frontier of opportunities for the people of Olambe,” the centre’s Chairman, Odozi reiterated Ayeni’s words. And to further demonstrate that it is a community-based project, he added, that all the staff was sourced from within the community.

    “We chose to live and establish it here because our philosophy is about touching lives. Our success would not be complete if it is not linked with the success of others. Our immediate priority is to provide help for the Olambe people. This initiative has been well-received by the community and we hope it would become a worthy private economic intervention in the area,” he said.

    Seeing the event had brought under the same roof the government and its people, he called on the government to repair the road leading to the place, saying it would ensure speedy development in the area.

    The people of Olambe led by their Baale, Chief Rasaki Ayinde Ogunremi, added their voices to Odozi’s, urging the government to look into their plight, lamenting that the road has become almost impassable in recent times. “We, especially our youths, are suffering because of the state of the road. Do our roads as soon as possible, take over the community schools in the area, and we need more infrastructures,” they pleaded.