Makinde to unveil 3,000-hectare agribusiness hub

In a major step toward strengthening agribusiness in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde is set to break ground on a 3,000-hectare agribusiness industrial hub in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, this November. The Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), led by Director General Dr. Debo Akande, announced that this expansive project will triple the size of the existing 1,000-hectare Fashola Agribusiness Industrial Hub.

Dr. Akande highlighted that investors are showing strong interest in the Eruwa hub, aiming to make it a dynamic center for agricultural and agro-industrial activities within the state. The hub is part of a broader vision to establish replicable agribusiness models across all regions in Oyo, enhancing both local food production and state-wide agricultural output.

The existing Fashola hub, which supplies agricultural produce primarily to the local market, is intended as a model for sustainability rather than a direct solution for all agricultural challenges in the state. According to Dr. Akande, similar hubs will be rolled out, with the Ijaye agribusiness industrial hub slated as the next development following the completion of the Eruwa project.
Source- Punch

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The Eruwa Agribusiness Industrial Hub is a promising initiative for stakeholders in the agri-food sector, set to yield significant benefits for Oyo State’s agricultural economy and beyond. Here’s how this project is poised to make a substantial impact:

1. Expansion of Agricultural Capacity:
The Eruwa hub’s 3,000 hectares provide ample space to develop crop and livestock production at scale, creating more opportunities for high-volume agricultural output and improved food security within Oyo State.

2. Investor Engagement and Economic Development:
OYSADA’s commitment to securing investor support reflects a strong public-private partnership model, likely to attract capital, generate employment, and boost local agribusinesses.

3. Increased Market Access and Local Distribution:
Like the Fashola hub, the Eruwa hub will primarily target local markets, keeping products within Nigeria’s borders, which strengthens local supply chains and improves access to fresh produce for residents.

4. A Scalable Model for Agribusiness Growth:
The Eruwa hub joins the Fashola hub as part of a strategic plan to scale agribusiness models across different zones in Oyo State, creating templates for agricultural growth that other Nigerian states can replicate.

5. Enhancement of Rural Livelihoods:
By situating hubs in rural areas like Ibarapa East, Oyo State positions itself to uplift rural communities economically through job creation, skill development, and income diversification for local farmers.

The Eruwa Agribusiness Industrial Hub exemplifies a sustainable approach to economic development through agriculture, aligning with broader state and national objectives to strengthen food security and rural economies. For stakeholders, this is a pivotal model to watch, demonstrating how structured agribusiness investment can catalyze long-term regional growth and resilience.