•By KAZEEM OYENIYI
IBADAN — A delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the National Coordination Office, led by Mr. Bernard Onzima and Engr. Bashir Gaya, has commended the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and the Oyo Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project Implementation Unit for the progress recorded in the ongoing SAPZ project in the state.
The commendation came during a two-day mid-term review visit to Oyo State, where the delegation inspected key project sites, including the Ijaye Agro-Industrial Hub (AIH).
The AfDB team, which commenced the review exercise on Wednesday, expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being executed by Craneburg Construction Company, particularly regarding the utilisation of mobilisation funds disbursed directly by the Bank.
According to the delegation, all four components of the SAPZ programme in Oyo State are progressing.
The delegation was received by the Director-General of OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the agency, Dr. Kola Badmus. Also present was the State SAPZ Coordinator, Mr. Akinwunmi Ajetunmobi, alongside other implementation unit staff involved in the project.
The SAPZ programme is structured around four major components aimed at driving sustainable agro-industrial development.
The first component focuses on infrastructure development and agro-industrial hub management including the construction of agro-industrial hubs, agricultural transformation centres, roads, power and water facilities, and waste management systems to create investment-ready environments for agribusinesses.
The second component centres on agricultural productivity and value chain development through support for farmers and small-scale enterprises. This includes input supply, mechanisation services, extension support, climate-smart agriculture training, cooperative strengthening and market linkages for priority commodities such as cassava, maize and poultry in Oyo State.
The third component addresses institutional strengthening and capacity building through training programmes for youths and women in agribusiness and agro-processing, as well as support for state agencies, farmer organisations and investment promotion initiatives.
The fourth component focuses on programme coordination, management and monitoring and evaluation to ensure accountability, environmental and social safeguards compliance, effective reporting and stakeholder engagement.
The first phase of the SAPZ programme is currently being implemented in seven states – Cross River, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ogun and Oyo – as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The initiative is designed to promote inclusive and sustainable agro-industrial development by increasing agricultural productivity, encouraging value addition, expanding market access and attracting private sector investment across selected agricultural value chains.
AfDB has continued to play a strategic role in transforming agriculture across Africa into a globally competitive sector and a major driver of sustainable economic growth.
