Vice-President Shettima says agriculture holds the key to Nigeria’s future growth and job creation.
He spoke in Oyo State, where a new agribusiness hub project aims to empower rural farmers.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to revamping Nigeria’s agricultural sector through strategic investments and partnerships.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for Agribusiness Industrial Hubs in Atan-Ijaiye, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State, Shettima, who was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to him, the project represents a clear commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural potential into economic growth, industrial development, and job creation.
“It is a bold declaration that Nigeria’s future lies in transforming our abundant agricultural resources into value-added products that fuel industries, generate employment, and uplift our farmers,” he said.
Shettima noted that the initiative is the result of collaboration between the Federal Government, various state governments, and international development partners including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
The Oyo State Government also unveiled plans to create 100,000 jobs and support over 500,000 smallholder farmers across different locations through the hubs.
Governor Seyi Makinde, while speaking at the event, revealed that the hubs located in Fasola, Eruwa, and Atan-Ijaiye would host more than 40 agro-industrial businesses and transform rural settlements into agro-economic centres linked to urban economies.
“These hubs will directly and indirectly employ over 100,000 people and improve the livelihoods of more than 500,000 farmers, ranging from micro to medium-scale levels,” Makinde said.
The governor described the development as a fulfillment of his administration’s promise to reposition the agricultural sector as a driver of economic growth and rural transformation.
He disclosed that six farm settlements had already been identified for development, with additional ones in Ilora, Iresa-Adu, and Ipapo planned for future expansion.
“Agriculture goes beyond food it’s also about infrastructure and economic opportunities,” he added.
Also speaking, AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who initiated the idea of agribusiness hubs while serving as Minister of Agriculture, expressed joy that the vision was being realised.
“I conceived this idea while in office as Minister, and I’m glad to see it come to life. I appreciate the Minister of Agriculture for sustaining this vision it’s a valuable lesson for political leadership,” he said.
