Governor Makinde Orders New Livestock Community Committee, Unveils Food‑Security Roadmap
•By KAZEEM OYENIYI
IBADAN – OYO State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has ordered the immediate formation of a Livestock Community Committee to identify gaps in the sector and develop a comprehensive investment roadmap aimed at transforming Oyo into a leading livestock hub in West Africa.
The directive was issued during a shareholders meeting on Advancing Livestock Productivity and Resilience through the L-PRES Project, a session held as part of the Oyo State International Agribusiness Summit 2025, under the broader theme Expanding Oyo State’s Economy Through Agricultural Industrialization.
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde emphasized the vast potential of the state’s livestock sector, noting that Oyo could not only dominate the Nigerian market but also compete globally if properly structured and modernized.
“We need structure; that is the foundation of progress,” Makinde stated.
“We must stop exporting our wealth unprocessed. Mini dairies, processing facilities, and value-chain optimisation should exist here in Oyo, not outside the state. We can keep the wealth here if we organise ourselves.”
The governor highlighted that the state’s livestock industry currently suffers from “mixed signals,” poor execution, and the absence of a unified strategy.
“Execution is our challenge. We have people in this room who can develop the roadmap of where we are and where we want to be. I am instructing you today, form a committee now. Identify the gaps and develop an investment roadmap for livestock in Oyo State,” he directed.
Governor Makinde further explained that an investment roadmap would provide clarity on value chains, cost implications, required facilities, productivity targets, and the roles of both government and private investors.
“This is not about politics. This is about setting up institutions that will continue beyond my administration. We are building systems that no future government can easily abandon,” he said.
He also highlighted Oyo’s pioneering role in Africa’s trade environment, noting,
“Oyo State is the first sub-national government in Africa to formally launch an implementation strategy for AfCFTA. This means we are positioning ourselves for continental competitiveness.”
He recalled Oyo’s historical leadership in cocoa production, emphasizing that starting from the ground up is a deliberate developmental trajectory.
Earlier in his address, the state Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Mr. Kola Kazeem, noted that the project focuses on promoting sustainable livestock production, improving animal health and welfare, and enhancing the resilience of livestock farmers.
“The livestock sector is a critical component of Oyo State’s agricultural economy, providing food, income, and employment opportunities for thousands of people,” Kazeem said.
“However, challenges such as climate change, disease outbreaks, and inadequate infrastructure have hindered the sector’s growth. The L-PRES Project seeks to address these challenges while fostering industrialization and private sector investment.”
Dr. Tunde Adegoke-Amole, Country Representative for the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Nigeria office, described the governor’s commitment as unprecedented.
He explained that the roadmap would assess value chains, establish production and processing centers, and outline roles for both government and private investors.
“We want to make sure the wealth remains in Oyo State and the product, final product is out there. Job creation, environmental safety, and food surplus are key objectives,” he said.
Some of the stakeholders at the event that spoke with journalists commended the governor Makinde for his commitment on agribusiness and it’s value chain.
In her remarks, Orimoloye Amina of Orion International and Ruminant Technologies Ltd., praised the initiative, emphasizing the importance of a zero-waste circular economy and regional export potential.
Comrade Segun Abatan, another participant at the event, expressed optimism about the program, stating,
“I’m impressed with this program. Seeing the government do something like this is going to go a long way in the livestock industry. Oyo State is endowed with poultry, piggery, and cassava production. We are going places in this development.”