The Ogun State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project has begun a four-day sensitisation and community engagement drive across selected local government areas in the state, reaching 40 host communities in Obafemi-Owode, Odogbolu, Ijebu-East and Yewa North.
The awareness exercise is designed to prepare community members and key stakeholders for the commencement of activities at the proposed Agro-Industrial Hub (AIH) and Agricultural Transformation Centres (ATCs). It also seeks to deepen understanding of the programme’s goals, investment opportunities and long-term benefits for farmers and agribusiness players.
During the outreach, the National Programme Coordinator, Dr Yusuf Kabir, explained that the programme places strong emphasis on inclusive participation. He noted that engaging farmers, processors, traditional institutions, women and youth groups, security agencies, farmer associations and investors would strengthen food production, generate employment and support industrial growth.
Speaking through the National Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, Mr Babangida Shehu, Dr Kabir highlighted the role of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in providing farm inputs, training farmers, supporting women and youth empowerment, and improving access to markets to raise productivity levels.
He further disclosed that the African Development Bank (AfDB) is leading efforts toward the development of Agro-Industrial Hubs and Agricultural Transformation Centres within the state.
Also addressing participants, the State Programme Coordinator, Mrs Kehinde Jokotoye, represented by the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr Ibrahim Bushi, identified cassava and rice as the focus crops for the current farming season. He added that the programme would expand to four more states next year and that existing beneficiaries would be connected to off-takers and financial institutions through structured platforms.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Obafemi-Owode Local Government, Hon. Sina Ogunsola, represented by the Supervisor for Agriculture, Hon. Muyiwa Ojebiyi, described agriculture as a major livelihood in the area and pledged continued community support for the SAPZ initiative to drive economic development.
On security matters, the Divisional Officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Temitope Obasan, urged farmers to report disputes early, especially conflicts involving herders. He cautioned against self-help and shared emergency contact information and nearby duty post locations for prompt response.
Meanwhile, the Productivity Officer, Mr Wale Odunayo, announced that arrangements were underway for the distribution of dry-season farming inputs, encouraging farmers to make the most of the opportunity.
Similarly, the Environment and Climate Change Officer, Mrs Temidayo Adedigba, sensitised farmers on the use of weather forecasts and agricultural advisory services to guide planting schedules and fertiliser application, with the aim of reducing post-harvest losses.
Closing the event, the Baale of Oke-Ayo, Mr Makinde Ade, speaking for community leaders and stakeholders, praised the government’s agricultural interventions and the Renewed Hope Agenda for supporting growth in the sector.
The Ogun SAPZ programme is a Federal Government initiative implemented in partnership with the Ogun State Government, the African Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.