Dr. Debo Akande, Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and Executive Adviser on Agribusiness to Governor Seyi Makinde, announced that the French firm SEMMARIS-Rungis International Market will support the establishment of an international wholesale agribusiness market in Oyo State. This announcement came during a courtesy visit to the governor by the firm’s delegation, including Head of International Projects Timothée Witkowski and Consultant-Market Specialist Steve Allen.
The press release, signed by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to the Oyo State Governor, highlighted the investors’ plan to complement the Makinde administration’s efforts in agribusiness. Akande mentioned that the delegation toured the state to inspect infrastructure projects, such as the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub and major markets like Bodija and Akinyele.
Dr. Akande stated, “The team came from the Rungis-SEMMARIS Market in France. We have been there with His Excellency before. They plan to support us in establishing the International Wholesale Agribusiness Market in Oyo State, most likely in Ibadan. This will be a major market for agribusiness and farmers, complementing the governor’s work in the sector.”
Akande emphasized the significance of centralizing agricultural production, explaining that it would streamline the supply chain for large buyers, thus enhancing market access for farmers. He also noted the state’s improved security measures, including the establishment of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun.
Timothée Witkowski, Head of International Projects at SEMMARIS-Rungis, expressed optimism about Oyo State’s potential, citing its central location and the efforts of Governor Makinde. Witkowski explained, “Oyo State is part of a strategy under the French Development Agency Funding Project. We are working on three corridors in Nigeria, including the South-West corridor with Lagos and Oyo states. Given Oyo’s strategic location and population, it is ideal for developing a strategic agriculture hub and wholesale market.”
Witkowski described the Rungis Market as the world’s largest wholesale market, emphasizing its economic impact and potential benefits for food security and urban planning. He noted, “The Rungis Market generates 12 billion Euros annually, trading three million tonnes of products. Such infrastructure ensures food safety and prevents congestion by centralizing supply logistics.”
The visit and subsequent discussions underscore a significant step towards establishing Oyo State as a hub for agribusiness, leveraging international expertise and local initiatives to foster economic growth and sustainability.
Photo credit : Debo Akande X
...Never miss an update again! Join our WhatsApp group for the latest news, straight to your phone! (Click Here)
