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…State Project Coordinator Ajetunmobi emphasizes proactive problem-solving for timely delivery
In a significant step towards ensuring the successful delivery of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme in Oyo State, representatives of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the National Coordinating Office (NCO) of the SAPZ programme have concluded a comprehensive two-day supervision mission to the Agro-Industrial Hub (AIH) in Ijaiye, Oyo State.
The supervision mission, which held from 26th to 27th October, 2026, brought together key stakeholders, technical experts and project managers for an on-the-ground assessment of the flagship agro-industrial project.
The visit was primarily focused on appraisal and review of project implementation, identification of potential constraints that could affect delivery, and exploration of practical, sustainable strategies to ensure smooth and timely completion of all project deliverables in full compliance with approved standards.
As part of the itinerary, the delegation paid an extensive working visit to the Agro-Industrial Hub at Ijaiye to physically assess the progress of ongoing construction work, inspect critical components of the infrastructure, and interact with the technical team on site.
The Ijaiye hub is one of the strategic Agro-Industrial Hubs being developed across the country under the SAPZ programme, a Federal Government initiative supported by the AfDB, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape through integrated agro-industrial infrastructure.
Speaking during an interview on the sidelines of the mission, the State Project Coordinator (SPC) of Oyo SAPZ, Mr. Akinwumi Ajetunmobi, provided valuable insights into the importance of the supervision exercise.
He emphasized that effective project delivery is hinged on effective supervision, noting that it is only through regular appraisal that implementation challenges can be identified early, available options assessed objectively, and appropriate solutions adopted to keep the project firmly on schedule.
According to him, “Effective project delivery depends on effective supervision, addressing constraints, evaluating possible interventions, and implementing corrective measures to achieve the project’s objectives within the specified timeframe.”
Mr. Ajetunmobi explained that the supervision mission was not a fault-finding exercise, but a collaborative mechanism designed to ensure that all parties are aligned on project goals, timelines and quality expectations.
He added that the mission allowed for open and constructive engagement between the supervision team and the project implementation team, ensuring that challenges are not just identified but also resolved with workable solutions.
The two-day engagement provided a veritable opportunity for the Supervision Mission team and the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) to hold in-depth discussions on implementation progress.
The sessions examined challenges encountered in the course of construction, reviewed work plans and implementation schedules, and considered forward-looking strategies for improving efficiency and ensuring timely project delivery.
The discussions, which were described as highly productive, also focused on compliance with environmental and social safeguards, financial management, procurement processes, and adherence to the overall project development objectives as outlined by the AfDB and the Federal Government.
The supervision mission also highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration, proactive problem-solving, and sustained stakeholder engagement in advancing the project’s implementation and achieving its intended development outcomes.
The Ijaiye Agro-Industrial Hub is part of the broader efforts of the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde to strengthen agro-industrial development, promote agricultural value addition, attract local and foreign investment, and create sustainable economic opportunities through improved infrastructure and agricultural enterprise development.
When fully completed and operational, the hub is expected to provide common infrastructure and shared facilities for agro-processing, aggregation, storage, and logistics, thereby linking smallholder farmers to industrial processors and reducing post-harvest losses that have long plagued the agricultural sector.
It will also serve as a major driver of job creation, youth empowerment and rural economic transformation, in line with Governor Makinde’s vision of using agribusiness as a veritable tool for economic expansion and poverty reduction in Oyo State.
Stakeholders who followed the supervision mission expressed optimism that with the renewed commitment, collaborative approach and corrective measures being put in place, the Ijaiye Agro-Industrial Hub will be delivered on time and to specification, thereby positioning Oyo State as a leading hub for agro-industrial development in Nigeria.
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