A major milestone was recorded in Nigeria’s agricultural and economic transformation drive as 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, under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme.
The ceremony, which held at Atan Village in Akinyele Local Government Area, drew stakeholders from across sectors, including top government officials, traditional rulers, development partners, agribusiness experts, and rural community leaders.
Representing Vice President Shettima, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, praised the Oyo State Government’s commitment to using agriculture as a foundation for economic empowerment. He stated that the Federal Government is fully backing the project, which he described as a transformative initiative capable of unlocking vast potentials in the state and beyond.
“The future of Nigeria lies in turning agriculture into a value-driven sector. What is happening here today is a symbol of the partnership between states and the Federal Government to drive that transformation,” Kyari said.
In his remarks, Governor Makinde declared the Ijaiye hub a clear demonstration of his administration’s dedication to the Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development, 2023-2027, which envisions agriculture as a commercial enterprise—not just subsistence—capable of creating jobs, attracting investors, and securing food systems.
“We’ve been to the Oyo zone. We’ve been to Ibarapa zone. Now, we’re in Ibadan zone. This is Ijaiye. We are ensuring that the benefits of agribusiness development reach every region of our state.
“Well, let me also say this. We identified six old farm settlements established during the Western Region days. Then, the people had vision. They never thought about federal allocation; they were looking at productivity in their local environment.
He added: “I would like to appreciate you, Governor Makinde. You are an exemplary governor and I must tell you all; he is a very efficient governor. You are very visionary, passionate, and committed, and you have a heart for the people and I am very very appreciative of everything that you do.
“Fasola settlement was one of those settlements in those days. It was moribund as many of the old farm settlements were done by our Papa Awolowo, but you actually went there and thanks to the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, which has totally transformed that place.