In the heart of Nigeria, a man’s quiet love for farming blossomed into a growing agricultural enterprise—Benrotimi Farms Ltd. Today, the name is steadily becoming familiar in farming circles, yet its roots are as humble as the soil it cultivates.
Olusoji Olarotimi Benjamin, the CEO of Benrotimi Farms, began with a small dream and an even smaller space. His journey wasn’t carved from wealth or privilege, but from grit, passion, and a belief that farming could be more than survival—it could be transformation.
A Name Born from Love and Frustration
Benjamin’s story begins not with rows of crops or livestock pens, but with a name. Registering his company with the Corporate Affairs Commission proved frustrating—all his proposed names were already taken.
“I was tired and didn’t know what else to do,” he recalled. “So, I called my wife for help. She suggested Benrotimi—a combination of my names: Benjamin Olutoji Olarotimi. I sent it in, and to my surprise, it was approved immediately. Today, Benrotimi Farms is a name we are hearing almost everywhere.”
Building Without Government Support
Despite his growth, Benjamin hasn’t had it easy. “I have never benefited from the government—whether federal, state, or local,” he said, shaking his head. “There are agencies that are meant to support farmers, but we don’t see the benefits. That’s why I’m calling on the government to do better.”
He suggests a robust monitoring team that engages directly with farmers. “Farming is different across sectors,” he explained. “Someone into livestock doesn’t have the same needs as someone into crop farming or fisheries. For example, a goat farmer might worry about disease, while a fish farmer must feed his fish every single day—and a bag of feed is expensive.”
He believes that support through subsidies on feed, stable electricity, and access to clean water would change the lives of countless farmers. “Grants and assistance are crucial. Without extra support, livestock farming becomes almost impossible.”
Expanding a Vision: The Benrotimi Dream
Benjamin’s goals for Benrotimi Farms stretch far beyond his current location. “I want to expand. I already extended my livestock section and now I’m returning fully into crop farming. I want to see Benrotimi Farms Phase 1, 2, 3, and 4 all over the country,” he said, smiling. “Maybe I’ll compete with Dangote one day.”
His crop vision includes cucumbers, palm nuts, watermelon, cassava, yam, pepper, and tomatoes. On the livestock side, Benrotimi Farms is a mini ark: goats, snails, tilapia, catfish, broilers, layers, rams, cows, pigs—all available fresh or dried.
Surviving the Economy: A Farmer’s Daily Battle
Farming in Nigeria comes with its own set of storms, and for Benjamin, adapting to the economy is part of the job. “A bag of feed can rise from N20,000 to N25,900 in just a week. That’s how unstable things are,” he lamented. “Customers must understand this. If fuel price goes up, so does everything else—from feed to eggs.”
He’s learned to communicate these fluctuations with his customers. “We don’t control the market forces. Dollar rates and fuel prices dictate everything.”
Advice to the Youth: Start Small, Think Big
Benjamin has a special message for young Nigerians: “If you have land in your village, use it. A 100×50 plot is enough to begin. Start with crops like yam, cassava, or cucumber—there is money in cucumber, believe me.”
He advises aspiring farmers to begin with crops before venturing into livestock, which requires more capital. “Start with what you have and be patient. Farming has seasons, and every crop has its time.”
Lighting Up the Community—Literally
One of the most heartwarming stories from Benrotimi Farms is how Benjamin helped bring electricity to his community.
“Running fish ponds means changing the water every 2–3 days. Fuel for pumping water is expensive. So, I decided to connect power from a neighboring community. I bought poles, wires, paid the electricity company, and even settled community leaders.”
But instead of keeping the electricity to himself, Benjamin allowed others to tap into it—for free. “I never collected money from anyone who connected light from my farm. That’s one way my farm has helped the community.”
Technology: A Silent Partner in Growth
“Technology helped me grow,” Benjamin said. “In the beginning, I didn’t know the medications or feeds to give to my animals. But Google and YouTube gave me answers. Today, I even learn modern mechanized farming methods online.”
He believes farmers must embrace technology. “We can’t continue the ancient ways. To grow, you must evolve.”
A Beginning in Borrowed Space
Benjamin started his dream on borrowed land. “A friend had a 100×100 property with cages and ponds. I rented 3–4 ponds from him, paying N400,000 a year. Most times, I had to put all my profits together just to pay rent.”
That sacrifice laid the foundation for what Benrotimi Farms is today.
Final Words from the Farmer
“My name is Olusoji Olarotimi Benjamin, the CEO of Benrotimi Farms. I started small—with just interest and passion. Today, I have my own land, my own farm, and my own registered company.”
And though challenges persist—from inflation to poor infrastructure—Benjamin remains unshaken. “Farming is not for the faint-hearted, but it is rewarding. There’s a saying: a farmer never goes hungry. Start small, be consistent, and you will grow.”
Benrotimi Farms is more than just a farm—it’s a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and hope. In a nation hungry for change, Benjamin has proven that transformation often begins with a seed, a little soil, and the courage to keep growing.
