The Oyo State Government has restated its commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors interested in partnering with the state, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Governor Seyi Makinde made this known in Ibadan while hosting a delegation of Chinese investors from China Overseas Engineering Group Co. Limited. The investors were received on his behalf by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Bayo Lawal.
Makinde explained that his administration is determined to embrace modern technologies that will transform agricultural practices and position Oyo as a hub for agribusiness and agro-industrial processing.
According to him, agriculture remains one of the state’s strongest comparative advantages, and his government has been investing in critical enablers such as infrastructure and security to attract and sustain investments.
“We are ready in Oyo State to adopt any technology that will move us from subsistence farming to industrial and commercial agriculture. With this, we can boost food security, expand our economy, create thousands of jobs, and increase revenue,” Makinde said.
He noted that the state has already embarked on the establishment of Agribusiness Hubs across various locations. These include the Fasola Agribusiness Hub, the ongoing Eruwa Agribusiness Hub, and the newly launched Ijaye Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone.
Speaking earlier, Alhaji Abubakar Yerima, Director of Strategic Services at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), commended Governor Makinde for his strides in infrastructural development and investment in agribusiness. He assured that the visiting investors were eager to explore partnership opportunities with Oyo State.
The leader of the Chinese delegation, Ms. Dong Gwping, also expressed optimism that the partnership would revolutionise agriculture in the state. She explained that their intervention would enhance the agricultural value chain by introducing advanced Chinese technologies and expertise, ultimately driving socio-economic growth and development.