As part of ongoing efforts to support smallholder farmers and enhance agricultural productivity in Ogun State, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the agricultural sector through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, made this known during the official flag-off and sensitisation programme for cassava and rice value chain actors held at Yewa South Local Government Area, Ilaro.
Represented by the Acting State Project Coordinator of SAPZ, Ibrahim Busi, the Commissioner stated that the programme is aimed at empowering smallholder farmers, improving access to agricultural inputs, and encouraging greater participation of youths and women in agriculture to boost food production and improve livelihoods.
According to him, Ogun State remains one of Nigeria's leading agricultural states due to its fertile land, rich natural resources, and strategic location. He noted that the SAPZ Programme would further strengthen agricultural value chains, increase productivity, create employment opportunities, and contribute significantly to food security and economic growth.
Hon. Owotomo urged youths across the state to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the programme by registering and actively participating. He disclosed that the initiative is expected to directly impact over 100,000 beneficiaries and indirectly benefit more than 500,000 people through various agricultural interventions and value chain development activities.
He further explained that the first phase of the programme is focused on cassava and rice production across nine local government areas: Ijebu East, Ijebu North, Odogbolu, Ikenne, Obafemi-Owode, Odeda, Yewa North, Yewa South, and Imeko-Afon. Other local government areas, he said, would be incorporated in subsequent phases.
In his welcome address, the Acting State Project Coordinator, Ibrahim Busi, outlined the four major components of the SAPZ Programme: Infrastructure Development and Management of Agro-Industrial Hubs; Agricultural Productivity, Production and Market Linkages within SAPZ Catchment Areas; Policy and Institutional Development Support; and Programme Coordination and Management.
Mr. Busi emphasized the importance of registration by farmers within the designated catchment areas, stressing that women and youths stand to benefit immensely from the programme's interventions and support services.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Babatunde Ogunsola, represented by the Supervisor for Agriculture, Adenike Olayode, commended the Federal and Ogun State Governments, as well as IFAD, for bringing the initiative closer to farmers and creating opportunities for increased agricultural productivity and economic empowerment.
The sensitization programme took place at the new local government including Ikenne, Yewa-South, Ijebu East and Odeda. The exercise forms part of broader efforts to ensure that farmers, agribusiness operators, youths, and women are adequately informed about the objectives, benefits, and opportunities available under the SAPZ Programme.
The initiative is expected to drive agricultural transformation, enhance value addition, create sustainable jobs, and strengthen food security across Ogun State.