ODOGBOLU – In a significant move to boost agricultural productivity and economic development, the Odogbolu Local Government Area (LGA) has secured 400 hectares of land for the establishment of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), a flagship initiative of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The project, a key partnership with the Ogun State Government, is set to transform the local economy by focusing on the cultivation and processing of rice and cassava. As part of the initiative, plans for a new rice mill in the LGA have also been announced.
The Executive Chairman of Odogbolu LGA, Hon. (Dr.) Babatunde Oyetola Diya, confirmed the development, stating that the land was generously provided by the Ibido-Ogbo, Imodi, Eyinwa, and Okeyemi communities. This collaboration highlights a strong synergy between community landowners, the local government, and the state government in building a sustainable food system.
The SAPZ program is designed to tackle food insecurity, boost agribusiness, and expand the state’s economy by turning rural areas into economic prosperity zones. Ogun State is the only state in Nigeria selected for the first phase of this prestigious intervention.
Under the scheme, local farmers, primarily youths, will be registered, trained by SAPZ technical teams, and each allocated one hectare of land. They will receive certified improved seedlings, crop protection chemicals, and extension services to ensure optimal yield. The program also includes capacity-building workshops on best agronomic practices and post-harvest handling.
A key feature of the initiative is the provision of reliable off-takers to purchase excess produce at profitable market rates, safeguarding farmers from post-harvest losses and ensuring stable income.
Hon. Diya reiterated his administration’s commitment to aligning with the agricultural renewal goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the “ISEYA” mantra of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
“Through this SAPZ initiative, we have also secured certain agric assets to improve upon in order to set up our own rice mill in partnership with IFAD in Odogbolu LGA,” Dr. Diya declared. “We are resolute in achieving our goals of putting food on people’s tables and ensuring nobody goes to bed hungry.”
With youth enumeration and land profiling set to commence immediately, the Odogbolu-SAPZ project is expected to significantly scale up staple crop production, reduce unemployment, strengthen food value chains, and position the local government as a new hub for agro-industrial investment.
