Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed plans to establish a massive 3,000-hectare agribusiness industrial hub in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, in November.
Dr. Debo Akande, the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), revealed this while speaking with newsmen.
This project is aimed at improving the state’s agricultural sector and creating numerous job opportunities.
The Eruwa hub, which is three times larger than the existing Fashola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, will serve as a major agricultural production and processing center.
Akande confirmed that investors have already expressed strong interest in the project and are committed to utilizing the vast expanse of land for various agricultural purposes.
Addressing concerns about the impact of large-scale agricultural projects on local communities, Akande emphasized that the products from the Fashola hub are primarily consumed domestically, rather than being exported.
He explained that the hub’s focus is on supplying high-quality agricultural produce to local markets and businesses, including supermarkets and restaurants.
While acknowledging that the Fashola hub may not directly address all the challenges facing the state’s agricultural sector, Akande stressed its role as a model for other states to emulate.
The hub’s success is expected to inspire similar initiatives across the country and contribute to Nigeria’s overall agricultural development.
Following the completion of the Eruwa hub, the state government plans to embark on the development of the Ijaye business hub.