The Oyo State Government, Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), Innovation Lab for Policy Leadership in Agriculture and Food Security (PiLAF), and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission have underscored the need for enhanced collaboration among agricultural stakeholders to improve agricultural productivity.
During a two-day regional agribusiness sensitisation event held at Adis Hotel, Bodija, Ibadan, NABG, with support from PiLAF and in collaboration with DAWN Commission, gathered experts to discuss strategies for achieving food security and sustainable agriculture across the nation.
Prof. Adegbenga Adekoya, Co-Principal Investigator of PiLAF, opened the event by highlighting the pivotal role of policy leadership and innovation in driving agricultural sustainability.
Speaking virtually, NABG Chairman Kabir Ibrahim emphasised the importance of standardising agricultural products, practicing climate-smart farming, and adhering to policy guidelines on seeds, fertilisers, and soil management to enhance marketability and export opportunities for smallholder farmers.
Dr. Debo Akande, Executive Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Agribusiness and Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, stressed the need to view agriculture as a business, pointing out the significant contributions of small-scale farmers to Nigeria’s agricultural future.
Represented by Dr. Adesoji Farayibi, Head of Economic Development and Research at DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, Director-General of DAWN, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to advancing agribusiness in the Southwest region.
Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, urged increased collaboration with private investors to boost agricultural yields. He was represented by Mrs. Funke Adeniran-Adediran, Deputy Director of the ministry’s Planning, Research, and Statistics Department.
Dr. Benjamin Oyelami of PiLAF, University of Ibadan, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the need to tackle insecurity, prepare for climate change, and enhance irrigation and research to ensure food security.
In his address, NABG’s Director-General Jafar Umar highlighted the urgency of treating agriculture as a serious business amid the ongoing food crisis in the country.
Secretary-General of NABG, Mrs. Olubukola Nwaneri, reinforced this sentiment, declaring that “agriculture is the new oil,” and underscored the sector’s potential for driving economic growth.