The Federal Government in collaboration with State Governments have initiated a strategic plan to activate the Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) in select States across the country.
Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, who revealed this at a dinner to mark the grand finale at an SAPZ workshop, at Park Inn by Radisson, Abeokuta, said the initiative aims to promote agricultural industrialisation, ensure food security and boost economic growth.
Owotomo pointed out that so much efforts had been put in place in developing strategies towards boosting food security and agriculture industrialisation, adding that the State government was committed and would also be supportive to the SAPZ Programme.
“The State is strategically located and with strong agricultural heritage, we understand the profound impact that SAPZ will have on preventing urban migration, rural- urban transformation, job creation opportunities and enhanced socio-economic development across the State”, he said.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan stated that the hosting of the event was an attestation to a shared vision of advancing sustainable agriculture and creating transformative opportunities for the people of the State.
Olabimtan enjoined all stakeholders to embrace collaboration, exchange ideas, strengthen commitment for a future, where agriculture would strive as a corner stone of development.
In his remarks, the National Programme Coordinator, SAPZ, Dr. Kabiru Yusuf, represented by the Financial Controller, Mrs. Temitope Olayiwola, applauded the State government for being supportive, noting that SAPZ would prosper in the State as target would also be met.
Also speaking, the State programme Coordinator and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye commended the State and Federal governments for their commitment towards the programme, assuring that all strategies adopted would be carried out.
