Wolekanle Commends OYSADA DG for Strategic Execution of State Agribusiness Mandate

The Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole, widely known as "Wolekanle," has publicly commended the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Debo Akande, for his pivotal role in translating Governor Seyi Makinde’s agricultural vision into tangible economic realities. This high-level endorsement was delivered during the plenary session of the 2025 Oyo State International Agribusiness Summit, hosted at the prestigious International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan. The summit, themed "Expanding Oyo State's Economy through Agricultural Industrialisation," served as a backdrop for assessing the structural shifts within the state's agrarian sector under the current administration.

Bashorun Akinwole emphasized that the establishment of OYSADA represented a fundamental departure from traditional agricultural governance, moving the state from a subsistence-focused policy to a robust, enterprise-driven model. He noted that Dr. Akande’s leadership has been instrumental in operationalizing this shift, effectively bridging the gap between bureaucratic processes and private sector efficiency. By treating agriculture as a business rather than a development project, the agency has successfully rebranded Oyo State as a premier destination for agro-allied investments in the West African sub-region. The Chairman highlighted that this strategic reorientation is critical for the state's long-term fiscal sustainability, reducing reliance on federal allocations.

The commendation specifically highlighted OYSADA's success in attracting significant foreign and domestic capital into the state's agricultural value chain. Through targeted policy reforms and the creation of an enabling environment, the agency has facilitated partnerships that have revitalized dormant farm settlements and converted them into modern agribusiness industrial hubs. These hubs are now functioning centers of production and processing, creating a ripple effect that benefits local farmers through improved market access and technology transfer. Akinwole pointed out that these developments are not merely theoretical but are visible in the increased productivity recorded across the state's agrarian zones.

Furthermore, the Chairman acknowledged the agency's focus on youth inclusion, a core component of Governor Makinde's broader economic agenda. Under Dr. Akande’s stewardship, OYSADA has implemented training programs designed to de-risk agriculture for young entrepreneurs, providing them with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in a competitive market. This demographic shift is seen as essential for ensuring the continuity of the sector and addressing the challenge of youth unemployment. By making agribusiness attractive and profitable, the agency is fostering a new generation of "agri-preneurs" who are technologically savvy and commercially oriented.

The summit itself was cited as evidence of the state's growing influence in the global agricultural community. Bringing together investors, development partners, and policymakers, the event showcased the readiness of Oyo State to scale its operations and integrate into global supply chains. Bashorun Akinwole remarked that the high caliber of attendees and the depth of discussions were a testament to the credibility that OYSADA has built over the years. He argued that such forums are vital for knowledge exchange and for securing the high-level commitments needed to fund large-scale infrastructure projects.

In his address, Akinwole also reinforced the commitment of the Local Government Service Commission to support these ongoing reforms. He recognized that the ultimate success of the agribusiness agenda depends on effective implementation at the grassroots level, where the local government apparatus plays a crucial role. He pledged to ensure that local government administrators are aligned with the state’s vision, facilitating land access and community engagement to smooth the path for incoming investors. This synergy between state agencies and local government bodies is viewed as a prerequisite for the seamless execution of the governor's roadmap.

The Chairman concluded by expressing optimism about the future trajectory of the state's economy under the current agricultural framework. He posited that as OYSADA continues to expand its reach and refine its strategies, Oyo State is well-positioned to become the food basket of Southern Nigeria and a major exporter of processed agricultural goods. The alignment of political will, technical expertise, and administrative support creates a powerful engine for development that is expected to yield dividends for decades to come.

Ultimately, the praise bestowed upon Dr. Akande serves as a validation of the meritocratic approach to appointment adopted by the Makinde administration. It underscores the importance of placing technocrats in key strategic positions to drive complex economic transitions. As Oyo State continues its march towards agricultural industrialization, the role of OYSADA remains central, serving as the fulcrum upon which the state’s economic diversification ambitions rest.