MICHAEL AKINOLA
Beyond its contribution to agricultural production, Ikun Dairy Farm Promasidor* partnership is creating tangible social value within its host community in Ekiti State.
The farm, which has become a model for local dairy development in Nigeria, is not only producing milk but also touching lives through education, employment and community development.
One of the most impactful programmes is the weekly Ikun Milk Day initiative. Through the initiative, Promasidor and Ikun Dairy Farm provide fresh milk to primary school pupils in Ikun every week, while also exposing them to modern dairy farming practices through teaching.
The programme has brought excitement to the pupils, who now look forward to the weekly milk day. It has also helped to introduce young children early to the importance of nutrition, agriculture and dairy farming as a profession.
Speaking on the impact of the initiative, the Headmistress of AUD CAC United, Mrs Margaret Owolabi, expressed appreciation for the programme. She noted that it had brought excitement to the pupils while positively impacting the school, its teachers and the wider community.
According to her, the weekly visit has become a source of joy for the children and has also strengthened the relationship between the school and the farm.
Promasidor’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Francois Gillet, described the development of a sustainable dairy industry as a long-term undertaking that demands patience, technical expertise and consistent investment.
He noted that building local breeding capacity, developing farmers and adapting livestock to local conditions were processes that required time and sustained commitment.
He further emphasised the importance of collaboration among government, private-sector investors and host communities, stressing that each stakeholder has a critical role to play in building a productive, resilient and sustainable dairy industry.
The economic impact of the investment is also reflected in employment and livelihood opportunities. According to Promasidor, Ikun Dairy Farm directly employs more than 200 people and generates over 1,000 indirect jobs for the host and surrounding communities.
The jobs cut across farm workers, veterinary services, feed production, transport, milk distribution and other support services, providing steady income for many families in the area.
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to reduce its dairy import bill and build a more self-sufficient livestock sector, Ikun Dairy Farm offers valuable lessons in the importance of long-term investment in local cattle breeding, animal healthcare, feed production and farmer development.
However, translating these gains into a broader national transformation will require continued investment in milk processing, cold-chain infrastructure, improved access to quality dairy cattle and stronger support systems for local farmers.
The experience at Ikun demonstrates that while dairy self-sufficiency cannot be achieved overnight, sustained partnerships, strategic investments and a shared commitment to local production can move Nigeria closer to that ambition.