Oyo State has launched a major agricultural and industrial project with the groundbreaking of the Jaiye Agribusiness Industrial Hub in Akinyele Local Government Area. This marks a new chapter in the state’s efforts to convert farming into a profitable, job-creating industry. Once a quiet farm settlement, Jaiye is now set to follow the path of the successful Fasola Agribusiness Hub.
At the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the Jaiye project as part of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) program. Backed by the federal government, the SAPZ is intended to boost agricultural processing, create jobs, and expand local production capacity.
“Today’s event exemplifies the spirit of partnership and shared vision that is vital to our nation’s progress,” Senator Kyari said. “The SAPZ initiative is one of the cornerstones of the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by our President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. A vision rooted in restoring Nigeria’s dignity, unlocking our vast potentials and creating opportunities for every citizen.”
Governor Seyi Makinde, who led the groundbreaking ceremony, emphasized his administration’s determination to replicate the success of Fasola by building agribusiness hubs across all zones in the state.
“Let today’s event be a reminder to every citizen of our state. Governance is not theory. It is action. And when we say we will deliver, we mean it,” Governor Makinde said during his keynote speech.
African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who has been an active supporter of agricultural development across Africa, highlighted the benefits of the hub. He stated that the project would tackle key challenges such as post-harvest losses and help farmers make more money from their produce.
“Our goal is very clear. It is to reduce massive post-harvest losses, develop logistics and improve linkages between farm production, agro-processing and value addition, transform rural economies and of course to create jobs,” Dr. Adesina said.
The Director General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Debo Akande, explained that the Jaiye hub is projected to directly and indirectly create over 100,000 jobs and impact the lives of more than 500,000 families.
“This all will be state-built and private-sector managed. The establishment of two other agribusiness industrial hubs will host over 40 agricultural industries creatively employing directly and indirectly over 100,000 people,” Dr. Akande said.
Dr. Simeon Ehui of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) was also present and expressed IITA’s continued support for the project. He praised the state’s commitment and reiterated the importance of collaboration in boosting agricultural value chains.
“IITA was proud to support the first agribusiness hub at Fasola. We are ready to do the same in Eruwa and we are here again committed to supporting this journey in Jaiye, both as a technical partner and as a trusted source of leadership,” Dr. Ehui noted.
With rising food demand, this initiative is expected to play a significant role in reducing rural unemployment, increasing food production, and boosting agricultural income.
The Jaiye Agribusiness Hub stands as a symbol of Oyo State’s strategic development efforts and its strong partnership with national and international stakeholders.