The Oyo state governorship candidate on the platform of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Bimbo Adekanmbi, on Friday, visited the Bodija Central Mosque in Ibadan, where he joined Muslim leaders and faithful in a moment of fellowship and prayers for peace, unity and prosperity for the state.
The visit provided an opportunity for Adekanmbi to interact directly with members of the Muslim community while reflecting on the need for continued unity and peaceful coexistence among residents of the state, irrespective of religious or political affiliations.
Adekanmbi prayed for the continued peace and progress of Oyo State, stressing the importance of collective prayers and unity in building a prosperous society.
From the mosque, Adekanmbi alongside the Secretary to the government of Oyo state (SSG); Professor Musibaudeen Babatunde and other top government and political functionaries proceeded to the cassava processing market in Akanran, where he personally interacted with traders, processors and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
The visit according to Adekanbi, offered him an opportunity to see first-hand the activities of the hardworking men and women whose daily efforts contribute to sustaining the state’s local economy and agricultural sector.
Speaking during the engagement, Adekanbi acknowledged the resilience of the people working in the agricultural sector, describing their efforts as critical to the economic development and food security of Oyo State.
He assured the stakeholders that agriculture and agribusiness would continue to receive attention and support under his administration, particularly through investments capable of improving productivity, processing, employment opportunities and the overall value chain.
According to him, the objective is to strengthen the state’s agricultural economy to the point where Oyo can achieve greater self-sufficiency in agribusiness and reduce dependence on food and agricultural products from outside the state.
Adekanmbi said, “We will continue to invest in and support the agricultural sector until Oyo State becomes self-sufficient in agribusiness and food security.”
The visits come amid growing calls for sustained investment in agriculture and agro-processing as part of efforts to diversify Oyo State’s economy, create jobs and strengthen food security.
Adekanmbi reiterated his commitment to supporting initiatives that would empower people at the grassroots and create an enabling environment for businesses and agricultural enterprises to thrive.
He maintained that with sustained investment, improved support systems and greater participation by stakeholders, Oyo State could fully harness its agricultural potential and establish itself as a leading agribusiness hub.