The Director General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and Executive Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Agribusiness and International Cooperation Development, Dr. Debo Akande DBA CMGR FCMI, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo State Government towards sustainable Agriculture and environmentally friendly farming practices as the state prepares to pilot the Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management Plus (FARM+) Programme in Nigeria.
Dr. Akande made this known during a strategic planning meeting on the FARM+ Programme, a global intervention project financed by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) with funding support valued at $7.8 million.
According to him, Oyo State was selected as the pilot state in Nigeria for the implementation of the initiative due to the visionary leadership and strong Agricultural transformation agenda of the administration of Seyi Makinde.
The FARM+ Programme is designed to reduce the use of highly hazardous agrochemicals across Agricultural value chains while promoting safer, climate-smart and environmentally sustainable farming systems. The initiative is expected to improve food safety, protect the ecosystem, enhance farmers’ health and encourage responsible Agricultural production practices.
Dr. Akande noted that the project aligns with the Oyo State Government’s broader vision of transforming Agriculture into a modern, investment-driven and globally competitive sector capable of attracting international development partnerships and improving livelihoods.
He further emphasized that the Makinde-led administration remains committed to initiatives that support innovation, environmental sustainability, Agribusiness industrialization and inclusive economic growth for farmers and Agripreneurs across the state.
On the sidelines of the engagement, Dr. Akande also paid a courtesy visit to his brother and longtime friend, Dr. Abdul Kamara, to congratulate him on his recent appointment as Acting Vice President of the African Development Bank.
During the visit, Dr. Akande expressed appreciation to the African Development Bank for its continuous support and strategic interventions towards developmental projects and Agribusiness initiatives within Oyo State.
He described Dr. Kamara’s elevation as well deserved, noting that his wealth of experience and commitment to African development will further strengthen the Bank’s impact across the continent.
Dr. Akande reiterated that Oyo State remains open to productive collaborations and international partnerships that will drive sustainable development, food security, youth empowerment and economic prosperity.
E-Signed:
Written/Reported By
✍️ Moyosoreoluwa Olamilekan Eldreez
(IJOBA AUTHORITY MOE)
