Shettima, Adesina, Makinde flag off Oyo Agribusiness Industrial Hub
By Adejayan Gbenga –
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday performed the groundbreaking of the Oyo State Agribusiness Industrial Hub at Ijaiye. The project, part of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) initiative, was launched in Atan Village, Akinyele Local Government Area.
Represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Vice-President Shettima commended Governor Makinde for prioritizing agribusiness and food security. He said the initiative would create jobs, boost economic growth, and serve as a model for federal-state collaboration in agriculture.
Governor Makinde said the Ijaiye hub is a continuation of his 2023–2027 sustainable development roadmap. He noted that agro-industrial zones are meant to shift agriculture from subsistence to commercial scale, empowering youths, attracting investment, and stimulating rural economies.
Makinde added that the 12,000 hectares of land acquired during the old Western Region era would now be put to use, beginning with 3,000 hectares and reserving 300 hectares for industrial development. He assured that more hubs would be developed and handed over to his successor before his tenure ends in 2027.
AfDB President Adesina praised Makinde’s leadership, describing him as visionary and action-driven. He cited the Fasola hub’s success—with over N11 billion in private sector investment—as proof of the SAPZ model’s viability. He added that SAPZs are being established in 28 sites across 11 African countries, with AfDB committing over $934 million.
Dr. Abdul Kamara, AfDB Director-General in Nigeria, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to the Ijaiye hub, saying it aligns with AfDB’s goal of rural transformation and food security. He said the hub would unlock the area’s natural potential and reposition Nigeria in continental agriculture.
National SAPZ Coordinator, Dr. Kabir Yusuf, said the programme would retain value in Nigeria by processing crops locally rather than exporting raw materials. Other speakers, including IITA Director-General Dr. Simeon Ehui and Chief Olatunji of the Ijaiye Farm Settlers, praised the revival of the once-abandoned farm settlements.
Dr. Debo Akande, Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), said the hubs would host over 40 agribusiness firms, create 100,000 direct jobs, and improve the livelihoods of more than 500,000 farmers. The event drew dignitaries including traditional rulers, lawmakers, top government officials, and AfDB representatives.
