By Oyo Amebo
Oyo State has emerged as the agricultural industrial hub of Nigeria, and much of this transformation bears the unmistakable imprint of Dr. Debo Akande, the Executive Adviser to the Governor on International Cooperation Development and the pioneer Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA).
A visionary strategist and pragmatic implementer, Dr. Akande has redefined the state’s agribusiness landscape, turning lofty visions into measurable economic progress.
At the recently concluded Oyo State International Agribusiness Summit 2025, themed, “Agribusiness Industrialisation for Food Security and Economic Development of Oyo State: A Legacy Beyond Rhetoric,” held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Akande delivered a keynote that resonated with clarity, ambition, and actionable insights.
Addressing a distinguished audience of government officials, international diplomats, development partners, financial institutions, agribusiness leaders, and media representatives, he underscored the vital role of industrial agribusiness in achieving food security and economic prosperity.
He said, “The future of Oyo State lies primarily in the development of its agribusiness ecosystems through the industrialisation of agriculture,” highlighting the stark contrast between Nigeria’s agricultural potential and its current export patterns.
While Nigeria exported raw commodities worth N1.3 trillion in the second quarter of 2025, processed agricultural goods remained limited, representing a missed opportunity for wealth creation. Dr. Akande’s message was clear: value addition through industrialisation is the gateway to sustainable prosperity.
Under his leadership, Oyo State has taken bold steps to operationalize this vision. The establishment of two agribusiness industrial hubs at Ijaiye and Eruwa is already attracting over 50 agricultural industries, with nearly $500 million in new investments.
These hubs are projected to employ over 100,000 people and support the livelihoods of more than 500,000 farmers, transforming rural communities into vibrant agro-industrial economies.
Dr. Akande also emphasised the strategic development of rural infrastructure to facilitate this agro-industrial revolution.
Projects such as 1,200km of feeder roads, a 30km circular road, cargo airport facilities, and rail linkages are deliberately designed to enhance connectivity, increase efficiency, and attract further private sector investment.
These initiatives have already yielded impressive results: a 300% increase in state revenue, nearly 27,000 farmers benefiting from industrial investments, and a 22% return on initial investment from the Oyo Agribusiness Transformation Centre in Fashola.
Beyond infrastructure, Dr. Akande has been instrumental in aligning Oyo State with global trade frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the World Wholesale Union market, and bilateral engagements with the European Union.
These strategic alignments are aimed at positioning Oyo State as a competitive player in the global agribusiness market, while also supporting domestic food security and wealth creation.
Yet, Dr. Akande’s leadership is not just about numbers or projects; it’s about building systems that outlast political cycles.
He consistently credits Governor Seyi Makinde for championing a vision of sustainable development, one grounded in actionable strategies rather than mere rhetoric.
“His Excellency is not building projects; he is building systems. Systems that will continue feeding, employing, and enriching people long after the spotlight shift,” Dr. Akande noted.
As Oyo State continues on its trajectory toward a trillion-naira economy, Dr. Debo Akande’s stewardship stands out as a model of visionary leadership in agribusiness development.
Through his dedication, strategic insight, and relentless pursuit of impact, he is not only transforming Oyo State’s agricultural sector but also creating a legacy of industrialised agriculture that promises food security, economic growth, and sustainable prosperity for generations to come.
The Oyo International Agribusiness Summit 2025 is more than a conference, it is a testament to what focused leadership and strategic planning can achieve.
With Dr. Akande at the helm of OYADA, Oyo State’s agribusiness revolution is no longer a vision of the future, it is very much happening now.
