By Ayomiposi Ajayi
From the quiet town of Ipere-Ekiti to the big stage of the 2026 ABA-EX Agricultural Expo at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), one man is redefining the business of beekeeping and proving that wealth in agriculture goes far beyond primary production.
He is Mr. Daramola Jacob Akinwale, popularly known as “Ipere London,” the Chief Executive Officer of BAATOLU FARM VENTURES, a fast-growing agribusiness brand specializing in the production and marketing of premium organic honey and high-value bee by-products.
For over 15 years, Akinwale has distinguished himself not just as a beekeeper, but as a self-described “beekeeper, not a beekiller,” building a sustainable enterprise that is now a reference point for innovation, quality and value addition in Nigeria’s apiculture sector.
At this year’s ABA-EX, Akinwale’s exhibition stand became a centre of attraction as he showcased his rich array of certified products marketed under the “Dara Pro” label, including pure organic honey, natural comb honey, beeswax, propolis and eco-friendly honey candles.
Speaking with journalists at the expo on Saturday, Akinwale said most farmers fail to maximize profit because they stop at primary production.
“Most of our colleagues stop at the production of honey. They only bring out honey and sell it. But I have gone into the by-products that God has given us from the honey bee,” he said.
According to him, his comb honey is harvested directly from the hive without dilution, adulteration or industrial processing, retaining its natural taste, aroma and medicinal potency, while his other by-products, beeswax, propolis and honey candles offer additional income streams that can triple a beekeeper’s earnings.
What sets BAATOLU FARM VENTURES apart is its commitment to standard and consumer trust. Akinwale disclosed that the business is fully registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and its products have undergone laboratory testing and certification by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
This, he noted, gives customers confidence in the source, purity and quality of every bottle.
“Our honey is pure and natural with a fantastic taste. At BAATOLU FARM VENTURES, we are into production and marketing of organic honey, honey candles, beeswax and bee propolis. A trial will convince any doubting Thomas,” he stated.
The 2026 ABA-EX Agricultural Expo, founded by Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, brought together farmers and agripreneurs across Ekiti State, with 81 farmers rewarded with N11.2 million in cash prizes. The Overall Best Farmer, Mr. Sunday Osanyindiro, received N2 million, while 30 youths received starter kits and financial support.
Aare Babalola, who used the occasion to recount his farming background and reiterate his passion for agriculture, urged governments and stakeholders to support farmers to produce, process and market their goods, while promising to facilitate cooperative societies for affordable finance.
For many visitors at the expo, BAATOLU FARM VENTURES provided a practical masterclass in how innovation, packaging and certification can transform a local farm into a premium national brand.
With its pure, tested and certified products, BAATOLU FARM VENTURES is now open to distributors, retailers and consumers across Nigeria seeking original honey and natural bee products for consumption, wellness and industrial use.
