Former Ogun Agriculture Commissioner, Odedina Reveals How Pre-Government Farming Shaped His Tenure

ABEOKUTA – Dr. Samson Adeola Odedina, the former Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and immediate past Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture in Ogun State, has shared a compelling account of how his personal journey into agriculture, years before his public service, directly informed his principled approach to the role.

In a personal narrative, Dr. Odedina revealed that a significant payment from international development projects in 2007, which he described as “a sum equivalent to 50 years’ salary,” became the seed capital for his agricultural ambition. Rather than investing in urban ventures, he deliberately sought farmland in the interior parts of Abeokuta.

“As a professional, I considered soil type, vegetation, and topography, hoping issues like road and power would receive divine intervention,” Odedina stated.

His approach surprised the local landowners, who were astonished he preferred their remote location over areas closer to town. He explained to them that “farming is about productivity, and the land God gave them was good for farming.” This mutual understanding led to a “fair deal” and a partnership with the community.

Dr. Odedina, who also served as Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, explained that his search for land was driven by professional diligence.

This foresight meant that by the time providence led him back to Ogun State in 2018—first as Rector and later as Commissioner for Agriculture—he was already an established farmer with thriving crops and livestock, fully integrated into the local farming and hunting community.

Dr. Odedina emphasized that this hands-on experience was invaluable during his tenure. He also highlighted a key point of personal integrity: throughout his term, he neither applied for nor was given any government land for personal farming—a practice he implies has been common in the past.

“To God’s glory, it’s recorded that, perhaps for the first time, a Commissioner for Agriculture didn’t apply nor was given government land for personal farming,” he noted, choosing instead to focus entirely on his public duties.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Odedina concluded that while success may appear to be the result of careful planning, he attributes his path to a higher source: “The fact is, every good gift comes from God.”