From Akindele Damilola
The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to accelerating the implementation of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project, aimed at transforming the agricultural sector and boosting rural economic development through strategic investments in infrastructure and value addition.
Speaking at a recent SAPZ Steering Committee meeting at the Ministry of Finance conference room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor and Chairman of Inter Agency Steering Committee for SAPZ, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, emphasised that the loan facility secured for the programme would be strategically deployed to finance critical infrastructure, describing the initiative as a major developmental milestone for the State.
“The State is committed to adopting global best practices, ensuring transparency in procurement and leveraging the highest quality standards to deliver value for money. This project will position Ogun as a leading hub for agro-processing and agribusiness,” he stated.
He further informed that Sawonjo Farm Settlement, Yewa North and the Technology Park in Ijebu East have been identified as the locations for the Agricultural Transformation Center (ATC), which would serve as key facilities for coordinating value-chain activities in the region. In addition, he announced that the Arise Integrated Industrial Platform, Iperu, has been designated as the location for the Agricultural Industrial Hub (AlH), describing it as a strategic partnership that would leverage the hub’s proximity to the Gateway International Airport for logistics efficiency and export potentials.
Also contributing, Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, who also doubles as the Chairman Inter agency technical committee for the project, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, stressed the importance of inclusivity in the programme’s execution.
He noted that at least 50% of new farmers profiled must be individuals who have not benefitted from previous government interventions, this, he said, would help avoid double-dipping and ensure equitable access.
Owotomo also emphasised the need for continuous monitoring and regular assessment of the project’s implementation status.
In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Works and a member of the Inter Agency Steering Committee, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, underscored the need for effective collaboration across relevant Government agencies to maximize value addition. He also highlighted the importance of developing access roads to SAPZ programme sites to facilitate the efficient movement of goods and services, which described as critical to supporting agribusiness activities.
Earlier, the State Programme Coordinator, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, provided a detailed update on the implementation progress, outlining the activities that had been carried out by the SAPZ team, stating that the project is currently focused on five priority crops, Cassava, Rice, Cocoa, Timber, and oil palm.
The SPC further disclosed that farmers from four Local Government Areas which include Obafemi-Owode, Odogbolu, Yewa North, and Ijebu East have so far benefitted from the SAPZ matching grant scheme, which was aimed at enhancing farmer’s productivity and improving rural livelihoods.
The SAPZ initiative is part of a broader strategy to industrialize agriculture in Ogun State by establishing specialised zones that attract investment, generate employment and promote food security.
