Makinde Commends IITA Collaboration as Agricultural Development Soars

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has commended the productive partnership between the state government and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), which has significantly advanced agricultural development within the state.

Governor Makinde delivered his remarks at the 5th anniversary celebration of IITA Radio and the inauguration of IITA TV, held at the IITA Conference Centre in Ibadan. Represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Governor highlighted the considerable achievements in agricultural investment facilitated by the collaboration with IITA. This was detailed in a press release signed by Prince Dotun Oyelade, dated August 8, 2024.

One of the notable contributions from IITA to the current administration is the secondment of their Agribusiness Specialist, Dr. Debo Akande, who now serves as the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA). Governor Makinde underscored the pivotal role of the Youth Agribusiness Incubation Park Centre in Awe, Oyo State, which has become a crucial training facility for young agripreneurs in rural areas.

Makinde also shared impressive statistics regarding the Fasola Industrial Hub, which has generated 1,500 direct and indirect jobs and supported 7,000 smallholder farmers. The hub has attracted over ₦10 billion in private sector investment, with projections for this figure to double within the next year.

The Governor expressed optimism about the potential for enhanced communication and information dissemination through a partnership between the State’s Ministry of Information and the newly launched IITA TV, alongside its existing radio arm. This collaboration aims to effectively spread agrarian news across the state.

In his speech during the launch of the IITA online television, Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director-General of IITA, highlighted the positive impact of effective communication. He emphasized the critical role of knowledge dissemination in driving agricultural development.

Additionally, the Head of IITA’s Communication Office, Katherine Lopez, represented by Ms. Lilian Edosa, stressed the importance of making a meaningful impact in local communities through various agricultural programs. She called for public support in spreading information that benefits farmers and enhances agricultural practices.