Akeem Salawu Demands Implementation of OYSIAS 2025 Commitments

Fellow Mekunus of Oyo State,

I speak today as one with the youth, the farmers, and the everyday working people of our state—those whose lives depend on the sincerity, not the speeches, of those in power. The commitments made at the recently concluded Oyo State International Agribusiness Summit (OYSIAS 2025) must not slide into the familiar pattern of “talk today, forget tomorrow.”

During the summit held between December 3 and 4, the government unveiled the “Grown in Oyo State” Certification Mark, announced new Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZs) for Ijaye and Eruwa, and signed new memoranda of understanding with First Bank, UBA, international partners from Belgium and Denmark, IITA, CRIN, and others. These announcements are welcome—but history has taught us that summits alone do not change the life of a single farmer unless they are followed by disciplined execution.

As convener of Ilana Mekunu, I call directly on Governor Seyi Makinde and the Oyo State Government to ensure that every pledge made at OYSIAS 2025 is translated into concrete, measurable outcomes for the people who need them most—especially our young citizens aged 18 to 35, who are tired of promises without progress.

To ensure real delivery, the government must urgently provide:

1. A detailed 90-day public action plan outlining timelines, budgets, and clear milestones for the certification mark, newly announced SAPZs, and all signed MOUs.
2. A citizens’ oversight committee that includes genuine representatives of ordinary people—not political appointees—to track and publish quarterly updates.
3. Full youth participation in every initiative. It is unacceptable for the same young people who will shape the future of agriculture to be continually sidelined.

Beyond these, we insist that agriculture must be made attractive and profitable for the youth of Oyo State. This requires fast-tracking technologies that have already transformed agriculture for young people around the world:

• Precision agriculture and drone technology—as adopted in Rwanda, where youth operate drones for spraying, data collection, and logistics.
• Mobile soil labs and AI-driven advisory tools—models like Kenya’s iShamba and SunCulture, which boosted youth participation in farming by more than 40% within three years.
• Blockchain traceability and digital trading platforms—as used in Ghana’s AgroCenta and Esoko, enabling farmers to sell directly to exporters and bypass middlemen.
• Smart irrigation and solar-powered cold-chain systems—technologies inspired by Israel’s Netafim and India’s KhethWorks that turned previously unproductive land into profitable ventures.

These innovations are not distant concepts; they are proven solutions. Oyo State has the land, the youthful population, the financial commitments, and now the promises. What remains is the political will to prioritise execution, scale these technologies, and make farming a respected, modern, income-generating profession again.

The Mekunus are not begging for handouts. We are demanding delivery. We expect the government to honour its MOUs, apply the funds already allocated over the years, and ensure that our youth gain access to GPS-enabled tractors, smart implements, drones, digital marketplaces, and export opportunities—not just certificates and promises.

OYSIAS 2025 must not become another summit remembered only by its banners.

The youth are paying attention.

The Mekunus are waiting.

Fulfil the promises—or be held accountable.

Akeem Salawu

Convener, Ilana Mekunu