They reflect our belief that agriculture is not just about food; it is about infrastructure, it is about enterprise, and it is about national relevance.”
A pivotal figure in the SAPZ journey is Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group. As Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development over a decade ago, he introduced the concept of agro-industrial zones, though he was unable to launch it nationally at the time.
Today, he is bringing that vision to life across Africa, with Oyo State emerging as one of the model implementers.
In his remarks, Dr Adesina noted that Oyo State is proving how long-term vision, when supported by the right partnerships, can deliver lasting change.
He also expressed appreciation to the current Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, the Vice President, and the President of Nigeria for supporting the SAPZ initiative and ensuring the commencement of the first phase across eight states, with plans for an additional 28 states to follow.
The Oyo State Agribusiness Industrial Hub is more than a physical development. It is a systems-based approach to rural transformation, market access, job creation, and economic diversification.
By attracting private investors and building on existing infrastructure, the state is charting a path that goes beyond pilot projects.
Governor Makinde closed with a message that captured the spirit of the day: “Let today’s event be a reminder to every citizen of Oyo State—governance is not theory. It is action. And when we say we will deliver, we mean it.”
