In a move to transform the agricultural landscape of Ogun State, a team from the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), led by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, embarked on-the-spot assessment to facilities in Ijebu Development Zone.
The visit marked a significant milestone in the partnership between Ogun State and SAPZ, paving way for the take-off of the programme, aimed at developing Agricultural Transformation Centres (ATCs) in Ijebu Development Zone.
Speaking during the visit to the on-going construction of the Custom Training College at Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport, Iperu-Remo, Hon. Owotomo said the visit was necessitated by the recent signing of a subsidiary loan agreement with the bank, geared towards developing ATC, informing that the SAPZ was funded by the African Development Bank (AFDB) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), just as the agro processing zone was being developed by Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP).
He explained that the ATC was meant to feed the SAPZ which would be the off-taker and direct beneficiary of the produce on 1000-hectare land that had been dedicated for the agricultural transformation process, thereby ensuring that farmers have a steady off-taker for their produce and expand their production.
The commissioner added that the state government has done a lot aggregating the farmers and putting them in clusters in readiness for the agro industrial hub, disclosing that Arise IIP was investing 400 million dollars to develop the processing zone, while the Nigeria Custom Service was investing over N74 billion on its project within the zone.
On her part, the team leader and financial controller, SAPZ, Temitope Olayiwola, said the team was in the state to fast-track implementation of the programme, expressing satisfaction at the level of preparedness, passion and zeal of the state.
Contributing, Head of Administration, SAPZ, Mr. Abayomi Aina, explained that the programme aims to build mega cities in rural communities by transforming the rural areas into a mega city to attract youth to agriculture and reduce import bills.
He commended the state government for its commitment, especially in terms of farmers’ registration and profiling, despite joining the programme late, noting the state would gain a lot, as the programme would be a game changer in the history the state and by extension, the country’s agricultural system.
