Governor Seyi Makinde has praised the successful collaboration between the Oyo State Government and the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, describing it as a catalyst for agricultural advancement in the state.
This praise was conveyed through a message delivered by Prince Dotun Oyelade, the State Commissioner for Information & Orientation, at an event held at the IITA Conference Centre in Ibadan.
In his message, Oyelade emphasized the significant strides made in agriculture due to the partnership with IITA. He noted the pivotal role of Dr. Debo Akande, an Agribusiness Specialist from IITA, who has been appointed as the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA).
This appointment, according to Oyelade, exemplifies IITA’s valuable contribution to the state’s agricultural sector.
Governor Makinde’s address also spotlighted key initiatives under his administration. He highlighted the Youth Agribusiness Incubation Park Centre in Awe, which serves as a vital training ground for young agricultural entrepreneurs in rural communities.
Additionally, Makinde lauded the Fasola Industrial Hub, which has created 1,500 direct and indirect jobs, supported 7,000 smallholder farmers, and attracted over ₦10 billion in private sector investments. He anticipates that this investment figure will double within the next year.
The Governor’s message reflects a strong commitment to leveraging partnerships and innovative programs to drive agricultural growth in Oyo State.