The Oyo State Government, in partnership with the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), Innovation Lab for Policy Leadership in Agriculture and Food Security (PiLAF), and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, has emphasized the critical need for enhanced collaboration among agricultural stakeholders to boost productivity in the sector.
During a two-day regional agribusiness sensitization event held at Adis Hotel, Bodija, Ibadan, key stakeholders convened to explore strategies for achieving food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices nationwide. The event, organized by NABG with the support of PiLAF and in collaboration with DAWN Commission, brought together experts to address the challenges and opportunities within the agricultural landscape.
Prof. Adegbenga Adekoya, Co-Principal Investigator of PiLAF, inaugurated the event by underscoring the vital role of policy leadership and innovation in driving agricultural sustainability. He highlighted the necessity of fostering policies that support sustainable practices and innovation within the sector.
NABG Chairman Kabir Ibrahim, speaking virtually, stressed the importance of standardizing agricultural products, adopting climate-smart farming techniques, and adhering to policy guidelines on seeds, fertilizers, and soil management. These measures, he noted, are essential for enhancing the marketability and export potential of smallholder farmers.
Dr. Debo Akande, Executive Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Agribusiness and Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, highlighted the importance of viewing agriculture as a business. He emphasized the significant role that small-scale farmers play in shaping the future of Nigeria’s agriculture.
Dr. Seye Oyeleye, Director-General of the DAWN Commission, represented by Dr. Adesoji Farayibi, Head of Economic Development and Research at DAWN Commission, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to advancing agribusiness in the Southwest region. He called for concerted efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and support for smallholder farmers.
Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, represented by Mrs. Funke Adeniran-Adediran, Deputy Director of the ministry’s Planning, Research, and Statistics Department, called for increased collaboration with private investors to improve agricultural yields.
Dr. Benjamin Oyelami of PiLAF, University of Ibadan, highlighted the need to address issues such as insecurity, climate change adaptation, and the enhancement of irrigation and research initiatives to secure the nation’s food supply.
NABG’s Director-General, Jafar Umar, emphasized the urgency of prioritizing agriculture as a key economic driver, particularly in light of the current food crisis in Nigeria. Mrs. Olubukola Nwaneri, Secretary-General of NABG, reinforced this message by declaring that “agriculture is the new oil,” pointing to the sector’s vast potential to drive economic growth.
