The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Saturday, flagged off the construction of the Oyo State Agribusiness Industrial Hub at Atan Village, Ijaiye, in Akinyele Local Government Area.
Represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Alhaji Abubakar Kyari, the event marked the groundbreaking of the third Agro-Industrial Hub under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) initiative.
The hub is part of the Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development (2023–2027) and is designed to transform agriculture from subsistence to commercial production, creating jobs, attracting investments, and driving economic growth.
“This project will unlock vast opportunities, enhance value-added production, and position Oyo as an agricultural hub,” the Vice President stated.
“Nigeria’s future lies in transforming agriculture into industry and wealth.”
The event was graced by Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), who praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership in reviving Oyo’s moribund farm settlements and leading the agribusiness transformation in Nigeria.
In his address, Governor Seyi Makinde reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive agribusiness development across all zones of the state. He noted that the Ijaiye project follows the successful implementation of similar hubs in Fasola (Oyo Zone) and Eruwa (Ibarapa Zone), with Ilora, Ipapo, and Iresa-Adu planned before his tenure ends in 2027.
“This is not theory—this is governance in action,” Makinde said.
“Our goal is to move from poverty to prosperity by anchoring our economy on agriculture and agro-industrial development.”
Makinde highlighted the transformation witnessed at the Fasola Agribusiness Hub, where over ₦11.1 billion in private investment has created thriving enterprises and job opportunities. He urged the Ijaiye community to embrace the project and resist land speculation.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina revealed that the AfDB has invested $934 million in SAPZs across 11 African countries, with Nigeria as a leading beneficiary.
“Agriculture must become Nigeria’s backbone,” he declared.
“Food security means peace and prosperity. These hubs connect production to processing, storage, and markets.”
Dr. Abdul Kamara, AfDB Director-General, Nigeria, commended Makinde’s alignment with AfDB’s rural transformation vision and assured of the Bank’s support for speedy project delivery.
