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The vision of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to transform Oyo State into Nigeria’s leading agribusiness investment destination is steadily taking physical shape at the Ijaiye Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ).
This was demonstrated when the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Adebowale “Debo” Akande, led a high-powered delegation of prospective investors, government officials and other strategic stakeholders on an extensive inspection tour of the ongoing development at the Ijaiye SAPZ.
The inspection tour provided a first-hand opportunity for the OYSADA leadership to showcase tangible progress being recorded on site, while engaging investors on the enormous opportunities embedded in the emerging agro-industrial ecosystem being championed by Governor Makinde.
Dr. Debo Akande, who personally conducted the delegation round the vast project site, explained the strategic vision behind the Ijaiye SAPZ and its pivotal role within the broader agribusiness transformation agenda of the Makinde administration.
According to him, the Ijaiye SAPZ is being deliberately developed as a coordinated, world-class platform where agricultural production seamlessly connects with processing, storage, logistics, services, technology and market opportunities, a model that guarantees value addition and industrial efficiency.
The OYSADA DG also highlighted the successful development model and experience garnered at other strategic agribusiness hubs of the state, including the Agribusiness Transformation Centre (ATC), Fasola, noting that the state government’s approach is anchored on building critical infrastructure capable of attracting serious investors and stimulating robust private-sector participation.
At the construction site, the Project Manager, Mr. Rammy, led the inspection team through various sections of the ongoing development and provided comprehensive updates on facilities captured under the first phase of the project.
Among the key facilities inspected were the Clinic, Administrative Block, Fire Station and Warehouse, all strategic components designed to enhance functionality, safety and operational efficiency of the agro-industrial zone.
Mr. Rammy disclosed that construction activities are expected to accelerate significantly in the coming weeks, particularly with the imminent mobilisation of the road construction team to site.
He explained that the commencement of the internal road network will provide critical access to various sections of the zone and further bring the master plan to full reality.
Subsequently, the project master plan was formally presented to the investors and stakeholders, giving them a clear understanding of the proposed layout, infrastructure arrangement, zoning and diverse investment opportunities available within the SAPZ.
The presentation generated positive reactions and renewed confidence among prospective investors.
One of the intending investors, Mr. Alayande, expressed satisfaction with the level of development witnessed at the site, noting that the physical inspection gave investors a better understanding of the project’s direction and credibility.
He added that the infrastructure already taking shape represents a critical consideration for serious investors who require certainty, accessibility and a structured, de-risked environment before committing resources.
Speaking further, Dr. Debo Akande stressed that the Ijaiye SAPZ project is about much more than physical buildings and roads.
He explained that the ultimate ambition of the Makinde administration is to establish a sustainable, inclusive and competitive agribusiness ecosystem capable of attracting domestic and foreign investments, creating thousands of jobs, improving farmers’ access to markets, encouraging agro-processing and strengthening the entire agricultural value chain in Oyo State.
He reassured prospective investors that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde possesses the requisite political will and unwavering determination to ensure the project delivers fully on its objectives.
According to him, investors should expect an environment where critical infrastructure and government support mechanisms are deliberately positioned to make investment seamless and profitable.
“The political will is there. The commitment of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE, to this project is clear and unshaken. Our objective is to make Ijaiye SAPZ a plug-and-play environment for investors,” Dr. Akande assured.
The OYSADA DG therefore encouraged investors and strategic business partners to remain actively engaged with the agency as construction progresses, emphasising that government alone cannot unlock the full potential of Oyo State’s agricultural economy.
He noted that sustainable agribusiness development requires strong and strategic collaboration among government, investors, farmers, financial institutions, technology providers, processors and other private-sector actors.
Beyond the immediate infrastructure, the Ijaiye SAPZ is projected to contribute significantly to employment generation, industrial development, improved market access, food security and greater opportunities for farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs across Oyo State and the South-West region.
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