The Oyo state government in partnership with the Federal Government and global development institutions, has launched a groundbreaking agro-industrial initiative designed to create over 100,000 jobs and uplift more than 500,000 smallholder farmers across the country.
This was part of the strategic effort of the Seyi Makinde led administration to revamp Oyo state’s agricultural landscape and drive inclusive economic growth
At the center of this initiative are Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs), strategically located hubs set to revolutionize the agricultural sector by transforming raw farm produce into high-value goods, reducing post-harvest losses, and boosting food security.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the ceremony said that the Atan-Ijaiye SAPZ will span over 300 hectares within a broader 3,000-hectare development zone, designed to link peasant farmers with industrial processors and modern markets.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of one of the hubs in Atan-Ijaiye, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State today, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Abubakar Kyari, emphasized the administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a profitable, tech-driven, and employment-generating sector.
“This project is a testament to our commitment to a future where hope is renewed through strategic partnerships and inclusive growth. Nigeria’s future lies in transforming our agricultural abundance into value-added products that fuel industries and uplift our farmers,” Shettima stated.
He lauded the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, noting that Oyo’s strides align perfectly with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and economic diversification goals.
The Vice President described the initiative as a collaborative milestone, crediting partnerships with institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for their critical support.
Earlier in his address, Governor Seyi Makinde declared the initiative a “promise kept,” affirming that his administration would continue to prioritize agriculture as a tool for job creation and poverty reduction.
“This is not just about farming. It is about creating an ecosystem that fosters business, innovation, and infrastructure development in rural areas. We are opening up our communities to real, long-term economic opportunities,” Makinde said.
The governor disclosed that the state has identified six locations including Fasola, Eruwa, Atan-Ijaiye, Ilora, Iresa Adu, and Ipapo for SAPZ development, with the goal of spreading agribusiness opportunities across all zones of the state.
In his keynote address, AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who originally conceived the SAPZ idea during his tenure as Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister, applauded the implementation progress.
He emphasized the need for sustained political will, resource mobilization, and strategic alliances to fully harness the country’s agricultural potential.
“Food security, job creation, peace, and prosperity are all rooted in agricultural transformation but this cannot happen without strong investments and a value chain approach that links production to processing, storage, and markets,” Adesina stated.
He highlighted the role of global institutions, including IFAD, IsDB, and West African Development Bank, in driving the SAPZ vision forward, urging wider fiscal expansion to support agribusiness development.
Dr. Debo Akande, Director General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), in his address noted that the groundbreaking represents more than physical infrastructure maintaining that it marked the scaling of a tested model.
“We are building an agro-industrial ecosystem that supports processing, research, logistics, and value addition. Our success in Fasola served as proof of concept, and now we are expanding across the state, ” Akande said.