Ijaiye, Oyo State — The Federal Government has reiterated its resolve to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector as a key driver of economic growth and national pride.
This was disclosed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Oyo State Agribusiness Industrial Hub in Ijaiye, Akinyele LGA.
The event marked a significant step in the implementation of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme— a flagship initiative under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This is more than an infrastructure project,” VP Shettima stated. “It is a bold statement that Nigeria’s future lies in transforming agricultural resources into value-added products that power industries, generate jobs, and uplift farmers.”
The SAPZ, he explained, is a product of collaboration between the federal and state governments alongside key development partners such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB).
The vice president emphasized that the initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging international expertise and innovation to achieve sustainable agricultural growth and inclusive development.
He added that the SAPZ model is set to expand, with 27 additional states to be included in phases, beginning with 10 new states by the first quarter of 2026.
VP Shettima also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership in agribusiness and acknowledged the contributions of AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, describing him as a key advocate for agricultural transformation across Africa.
In his remarks, Governor Makinde highlighted that the Ijaiye hub is the third agro-industrial hub established by his administration, following those in Fashola and Eruwa. He also announced plans for three more hubs in Ipapo, Iresa-Adu, and Ilora, with designs to be handed over to the next administration.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, in his address, revealed that the AfDB has committed $934 million and mobilised an additional $938 million to develop SAPZs across 11 African countries. He emphasized the goal of reducing post-harvest losses, improving logistics, and linking farm production to processing and value addition to drive rural transformation and job creation.
Adesina also praised the Tinubu administration for its strong support of the SAPZ programme in Nigeria.
By Makinde oyinkansola| August 3, 2025
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