The Federal Government and African Development Bank (AfDB) have lauded Oyo State for its proactive role in implementing the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, aimed at transforming agriculture and boosting Nigeria's economy.
During a high-level supervision mission, SAPZ National Coordinator Dr. Kabiru Yusuf described Oyo as a model state, noting its efficient use of disbursed funds and commitment to agro-industrial development. Oyo is one of seven Phase 1 SAPZ states, alongside Kaduna, Kano, Ogun, Cross River, Imo, and the FCT.
The delegation inspected the 100-hectare Ijaye Agro-Industrial Park, where contractor procurement is complete and a groundbreaking is scheduled for August. Dr. Yusuf praised Governor Seyi Makinde for fully allocating federal funds to Ijaye while independently funding the Eruwa hub—a rare and commendable move.
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Dr. Oyebola Yejide Akande from the Federal Ministry of Finance emphasized infrastructure readiness and resettlement of affected communities to avoid project delays. She noted the importance of market access and off-taker systems to improve farmer livelihoods.
The SAPZ, supported by AfDB, IFAD, and the Islamic Development Bank, is led in Oyo by the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency under Dr. Debo Akande. The initiative is seen as a game-changer in Nigeria's economic diversification strategy.
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