Ogun State Launches Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones to Boost Agriculture
Odogbolu, Ogun State – The Ogun State Government has officially launched its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) initiative, aimed at transforming the state’s agricultural sector by empowering smallholder farmers and encouraging youth and women’s participation for increased food production.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, announced the launch at a ceremony in Odogbolu Local Government. He emphasized Ogun State’s longstanding position as an agricultural leader, attributed to its abundant natural resources, fertile land, and strategic location as a gateway to major markets within Nigeria and beyond.
Owotomo encouraged young people to register for the program, highlighting its potential to improve food security, create jobs, foster agri-preneurship, substitute imports, and alleviate rural poverty. The project anticipates directly benefiting 100,000 individuals and indirectly impacting 500,000, with a focus on including 50% women, 40% youth, and 10% people with disabilities.
The Commissioner outlined the program’s focus on key crops such as Cassava, Rice, Cocoa, Oil Palm, and Timber. Nine Local Government Areas have been selected for the initial phase: Ijebu East, Ijebu North East, Odogbolu, Ikenne, Ijebu North, Obafemi-Owode, Odeda, Yewa North, and Yewa South. Subsequent phases will incorporate additional Local Governments.
The SAPZ program encompasses four main components: infrastructure development and management of agro-industrial hubs; agricultural productivity, production, and market linkages within SAPZ catchment areas; policy and institutional development support; and program coordination and management. This first phase aims to establish integrated, agriculture-focused platforms to stimulate private sector investment throughout the value chain.
Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and State Programme Coordinator, affirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting farmers through input distribution, irrigation facilities, empowerment programs, and capacity-building initiatives.
Hon. Babatunde Diya, Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, represented by Hon. Fakoya Afuwape, pledged the council’s commitment to the initiative to enhance agricultural production, processing, and the livelihoods of farmers in the region. Mr. Adeosun Samuel, a resource person, commended the government’s efforts to boost farmer productivity.
Representatives from the Progressive Farmers’ Association and youth organizations lauded the government’s timely intervention, expressing optimism that it would increase productivity and create access to both local and global markets.
Ogun State, alongside six other states and the Federal Capital Territory, secured funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones program. This initiative is designed to establish integrated agricultural platforms, attracting private sector investment in value-added agro-processing to unlock opportunities for increased food security, job creation, import substitution, and rural poverty reduction.
