Oyo State Opens Doors to Investors for Food Production and Job Creation

The Oyo State Government, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, met with investors from across the state in Ibadan. These investors specialize in agro-allied production, manufacturing, equipment assembly, poultry, hatchery, agro commodities, and other industrial machinery. The meeting took place on Monday, August 5, 2024.

The primary objective of the meeting was to promote investment in agriculture, enhance food production, and create employment opportunities in Oyo State. Mr. Akin-Funmilayo emphasized the importance of inclusive growth and sustainable development in the agricultural sector, aligning with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision for the state.

Mr. Akin-Funmilayo highlighted that this was the fourth such exercise in 2024, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to supporting agro investors with suitable land, infrastructure, a conducive atmosphere, and resources to boost food production and processing. He urged investors to demonstrate their financial viability, expertise, and commitment to agricultural development.

He further stressed the importance of using the allocated lands for their intended purposes, assuring that close monitoring and oversight would be in place to prevent abandonment. Investors were encouraged to focus on areas such as Oke Ogun, the food basket of Oyo State, Ibarapa with its good road network, and Ogbomosho/Oyo/Iseyin, to open up more industrial hubs and bring additional benefits to the people of Oyo State.

The government promised transparency in selecting competent, viable investors, ensuring a fair and merit-based process. Mr. Akin-Funmilayo extended an invitation to interested investors worldwide, emphasizing that Oyo State has ample land for agricultural and industrial purposes, which will contribute to food production and create employment opportunities, especially for the youth.

In conclusion, Mr. Akin-Funmilayo assured agro and industrial investors of distinctive collaboration, pending approval from Governor Makinde. He emphasized the government’s readiness to partner with investors and provide all necessary support for sustainable agricultural development and food production in Oyo State.