Oyo State Government Reiterates Strong Agricultural Drive During AfDB, FG Inspection Of SAPZ Projects

The Oyo State Government has made strong commitments and demonstrated its determined commitment to transforming the agricultural landscape of the state as it played host to officials from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Federal Government for the inspection of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) projects. The visit showcased the state’s dedication to boosting agriculture. This would act as a catalyst for economic development, with a strong focus on food security, value-driven agribusiness, and rural industrialization.

Oyo State, known for its rich agricultural heritage, has been spearheading notable initiatives to modernize the sector and create a conducive environment for agribusiness growth. The SAPZ projects are a vital component of these efforts, aiming to create integrated agro-industrial hubs that enhance value addition, increase productivity, and attract investments.

Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, during the courtesy visit by a joint delegation of the Federal Government and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to his office Led by Mr. Bernard Onzima, Principal Agro-Industry Officer at AfDB, the delegation toured the SAPZ 100-hectare Ijaye Agro-Industrial Park and the revitalized Fasola Farm Settlement. Both projects are being driven by the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency under the leadership of Dr. Debo Akande. while inspecting the project under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) initiative in the state.

The African Development Bank, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has been a key partner in supporting the SAPZ projects in Oyo State. Their recent inspection highlighted the progress made and the potential for further development in the agricultural sector. The visit provided an opportunity to assess the impact of the projects on local communities, job creation, and economic growth.

Reaffirming the state’s strategic vision, Lawal said agriculture remains central to Oyo State’s development agenda. “We put agriculture on the foreboard in Oyo State because we want to feed ourselves and not depend on other states or countries for survival. Without food, we can’t survive,” he said.

The Deputy Governor highlighted the transformation of the Fasola Agro-business Hub, which was originally established in the 1960s but had fallen into disuse before being revived by the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration. He also disclosed plans to reactivate the Eruwa Farm Settlement as the third leg of Oyo’s SAPZ agro-industrial cluster alongside Ijaye and Fasola.

“These projects will help us move from subsistence farming to value-driven agribusiness. Our people must begin to understand agriculture as business, and SAPZ is a critical step in that direction,” Lawal noted.

On the state’s cooperation with international partners, Lawal assured the AfDB team of Oyo’s full compliance with global standards. “We don’t change the standards set by the World Bank or AfDB. You can be rest assured that Oyo State will give maximum support for the success of this project.”

According to Dr. Debo Akande, the director general Oyo state Agribusiness Development Agency who led the Federal Government and the African Development Bank (AfDB) team to the state deputy governor, he said ” SAPZ is critical to the expanding of the economy of Oyo State. When completed , the Agribsuiness industrial hub in Ijaiye will house over 20-30 medium to large agro processing companies supporting crop and livestock productions from farmers in the state and creating huge employments . This is part of the vision and the strategy of His Excellency HE Makinde to transform Oyo State economy”. Akande said

In his remarks, Dr. Kabiru Yusuf, National Programme Coordinator for SAPZ, commended Oyo State’s commitment, describing it as a “model of commitment and seriousness” in agricultural development. He lauded the revitalization of the Fasola settlement and affirmed the state’s reputation as a leader in agribusiness innovation.

The SAPZ initiative is a flagship programme of the Federal Government and the AfDB designed to drive inclusive and sustainable agricultural transformation through the development of agro-industrial hubs with shared infrastructure and strong private sector participation.

With Oyo State’s ongoing investments and strategic partnerships, the state is poised to lead the national effort to reposition agriculture as a viable driver of job creation, food seecurity, and industrial growth.