The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, is set to host the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, for the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Agribusiness Industrial Hub in Ijaiye, Oyo State.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the Vice President’s visit for the groundbreaking on Saturday is expected to attract key national stakeholders in agribusiness, investment, and development finance, further cementing Oyo State’s rising profile as Nigeria’s leading destination for agriculture innovation and industrialization.
The high-profile event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Atan, Ijaiye in Akinyele Local Government Area.
The Agribusiness Industrial Hub, which includes the Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) and a Rungis-styled International Food Wholesale Market, is a landmark initiative backed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and championed by Governor Makinde’s administration under the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA).
Earlier this week, the Oyo State Government revealed that 3,000 hectares out of the 7,581 hectares available at the Ijaiye Farm Settlement have been earmarked for the twin project.
The government assured stakeholders that the development will transform agriculture and business across Ijaiye and Oyo State by creating sustainable economic value, empowering farmers, and promoting export-ready agro-processing.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday at Atan-Ijaiye, Mr. Kolawole Badmus, the Permanent Secretary of OYSADA, who represented the Director-General, Dr. Debo Akande, assured farmers and residents that the initiative will improve the agriculture value chain rather than displace farmers.
“We have two big projects coming up here; the Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone and the Rungis-styled international market. These will bring industries closer to the farmers, allow for value addition, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase income for stakeholders,” Badmus stated.
He highlighted that the new hub would mirror the success of the Fasola Agro-industrial Hub, which has become a thriving agribusiness centre in the Oyo and Oke-Ogun zones, offering processing, packaging, and export solutions to local farmers.
According to Badmus, Governor Makinde’s long-term vision for agribusiness in Oyo State includes eliminating exploitation by middlemen, reducing farm produce waste, boosting exports, and earning foreign exchange through processed agricultural goods.
“For decades, farmers suffered from poor pricing and spoilage of produce. With this hub, we are changing that narrative. Our farmers will now enjoy full value from their crops, and the state will also benefit economically,” he added.
He also addressed concerns raised by some farmers about possible displacement, stating that the project was conceived as far back as 2020, with numerous engagements already held with the farming community.
“We have met with these farmers repeatedly. We even have attendance records from meetings held in 2020. There’s a clear record of transparency. We are conducting proper enumeration and documentation to ensure no one is shortchanged,” he clarified.
Badmus emphasized that just as cocoa and cashew plantations continue to thrive within the Fasola Hub, the same would apply at Ijaiye, as no existing value crops would be arbitrarily cleared or destroyed.
Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Mr. Akinwole Akinleye, also expressed optimism about the project, noting its potential to catalyze development in the area.
“This is a transformative development for Akinyele and Oyo State. We’ve assured all stakeholders that compensation and support mechanisms will be in place. This project will bring jobs, boost the local economy, and improve our infrastructure,” Akinleye said.