…Engages Farmers in Ijaye Settlement
In a significant step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and economic growth, the Executive Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Hon. Akinwole Akinleye, recently attended the monthly meeting of the Ijaye Farm Settlement farmers at their campsite. This gathering aimed to engage various community stakeholders and address pressing concerns raised by the farmers. The meeting underscored the commitment of the local government to foster collaboration and support for the agricultural sector.
The Executive Chairman’s presence was particularly timely, coinciding with the Oyo State Government’s announcement to allocate substantial hectares of land for the development of the Special Agro Processing Zone (SAPZ) and the International Agriculture Produce Wholesale Market (Rungis). Hon. Akinwole Akinleye expressed his gratitude to his principal, The Executive Governor of Oyo State for selecting Akinyele LG as the project site, highlighting the anticipated rapid economic development and infrastructural growth that the initiative promises to bring to the region.
In preparation for the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Saturday, Hon. Akinwole Akinleye revealed that the local government has been diligently working with the Oyo state government to ensure effective coordination and communication with all stakeholders involved in the project. This proactive approach reflects his leadership style and dedication to fostering a conducive environment for agricultural advancement.
The farmers at the Ijaye settlement took the opportunity to commend Hon. Akinwole Akinleye for his responsiveness and leadership. They acknowledged him as the first Executive Chairman in the history of Akinyele Local Government to honor their invitation and visit them at their camp site, a gesture that has strengthened trust and collaboration between the local government and farmers.
The SAPZ initiative, supported by the African Development Bank, aims to drive agro-industrialization, enhance food security, and generate employment by establishing industrial-scale processing centers in rural areas. Oyo State stands out as one of the few Nigerian states chosen to host the initial phase of this transformative program, indicating a promising future for its agricultural landscape.
Furthermore, the planned Food Wholesale Market, inspired by the Rungis Market in France, is set to become a pivotal distribution hub for both processed and fresh agricultural products, targeting domestic and international markets. This project aligns seamlessly with Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s vision for sustainable development, particularly in agribusiness and economic diversification, marking a new chapter in the region’s agricultural history.
