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IBADAN, Oyo State – The All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Oyo State Chapter, has honoured the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande, DBA, CMGR, FCMI, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to agricultural transformation, food security, and agribusiness development in the state.
The award, presented during a gathering of farmers’ leaders and stakeholders, underscores the growing synergy between the Oyo State Government and the farming community under Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration. It also signals a renewed commitment by farmers to support policies and programmes aimed at boosting productivity, mechanisation, and rural prosperity.
Presenting the award, AFAN Oyo State Chairman, Comrade Adewunmi Abass Adekunle, commended Governor Makinde for placing agriculture at the centre of his economic blueprint and for prioritizing it as a key driver of economic growth and rural development. He said the administration’s approach had restored farmers’ confidence and created greater inclusion in the state’s agricultural value chain.
The association equally praised Dr. Akande for his dedication, accessibility, and strategic coordination in ensuring that farmers across the state continue to benefit from impactful government interventions.
“Your leadership has made a difference in the way government engages with farmers. Your accessibility and commitment to translating policy into action have given farmers renewed hope and motivation,” Adekunle stated.
Receiving the award, Dr. Debo Akande expressed gratitude to AFAN’s leadership and members, describing the recognition as motivation to redouble efforts toward sustainable agribusiness development in Oyo State.
“Thank you to the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, for the opportunity to speak with you. The award you gave me is well appreciated,” he said.
Dr. Debo Akande dedicated the honour to his principal, Governor Seyi Makinde, FNSE, Dsc, GSSRS, whose political will, courage, and unwavering support, he said, have positioned Oyo State as a pacesetter in agribusiness and agricultural industrialization in Nigeria and across Africa.
He noted that the successes recorded through OYSADA and other agricultural interventions are direct outcomes of a leadership that genuinely prioritizes the welfare of farmers and the prosperity of the people. According to him, the administration’s investment in mechanisation, improved inputs, agribusiness financing, and farmer capacity-building has laid a solid foundation for long-term food security and economic empowerment.
The OYSADA DG further reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with farmers, cooperatives, agribusiness stakeholders, and development organizations. He emphasized that achieving sustainable food production and economic prosperity requires continuous collaboration, innovation, and policy consistency.
In their remarks, AFAN leaders assured the state government of their spontaneous and continuous support. They pledged to mobilize farmers across the state to back policies and programmes capable of improving productivity, expanding mechanised farming, enhancing food sufficiency, and improving rural livelihoods.
The association noted that under Governor Makinde’s administration, farmers in Oyo State have experienced increased inclusion, better access to agricultural opportunities, and renewed confidence in government-driven initiatives. Members said the administration’s responsiveness to farmers’ needs had set a new standard for engagement between government and the agricultural sector.
The event highlighted the growing alignment between government and agricultural stakeholders in advancing Oyo State’s vision of becoming Nigeria’s agribusiness hub. Participants described the partnership as a model for other states seeking to leverage agriculture for job creation, food security, and economic diversification.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Debo Akande reiterated that the administration remains focused on building a resilient agricultural sector that delivers opportunities for youth, women, and smallholder farmers.
“Oyo o ni r’eyin loju mi,” he said, reaffirming the government’s resolve to ensure that farmers remain at the heart of the state’s development agenda.
The honour from AFAN comes at a time when Oyo State is consolidating its reputation as a leader in subnational agribusiness development, with ongoing investments in the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, tractorisation programmes, and expanded farmer support initiatives.
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