The Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project has partnered with AgriGens Media to strengthen agricultural information dissemination, promote stakeholder engagement and create greater awareness of the opportunities available within the state’s agricultural sector.
During a strategic enagement advocacy meeting with AgriGens Media on Wednesday June 24th, 2026, The Knowledge Management and Communication Officer Dr Sangodare Ayinla highlighted the programme’s objectives, expected impacts and commitment to transforming agriculture through infrastructure development, value chain enhancement and inclusive participation.
Speaking during the visit, the Kwara State Project Coordinator of SAPZ, Engr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, explained that the project is focused on developing critical agricultural infrastructure, particularly within the livestock value chain. According to him, the initiative is designed to improve agricultural productivity, stimulate economic growth and create sustainable employment opportunities for rural communities.
He noted that beyond agricultural production, the project will contribute to the development of host communities through the provision of basic amenities and infrastructure that will improve the living standards of residents.
Engr. Busari expressed optimism that the partnership with AgriGens Media would help bridge the information gap between farmers, investors, stakeholders and the general public, thereby ensuring that the benefits of the project are widely understood and maximized.
Also speaking, Gender and Social Safeguards Officer, Mrs. Kuburat Agunbiade, emphasized the importance of involving women, youths and vulnerable groups in agricultural development. She described agribusiness as a profitable segment of agriculture that offers enormous opportunities for economic empowerment and wealth creation.
Mrs Agunbiade encouraged young people to embrace agriculture and explore various agribusiness opportunities along the value chain. She further stressed that persons with special needs are not left out of the SAPZ programme, noting that inclusive participation remains a key priority of the project.
According to her, even small-scale agricultural activities can make a significant contribution to national development.”People can utilize available spaces around their homes, including backyard gardens, to cultivate crops and contribute to food production. Every effort go a long way” she said.
On his part, the Livestock Specialist, Mr. Abdulfatah Lekan Ambali, explained that the Kwara SAPZ project is concentrating on the livestock value chain, particularly beef and dairy production.
He revealed that four Agricultural Transformation Centres (ATCs) have been designated to support the project. These centres are located in Kayama, Baruten, Asa and Ifelodun Local Government Areas, where primary production activities will take place.
According to him, raw materials produced at these centres will be transported to the Agro-Industrial Hub in Molete, where secondary processing, value addition, packaging and other industrial activities will be carried out.
Mr. Ambali noted that this integrated approach will not only improve efficiency within the livestock sector but also increase market access, enhance value addition and attract private-sector investments into the agricultural economy of the state.
The Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, Dr. Sangodare Ayinla, commended AgriGens Media for its commitment to agricultural journalism and awareness creation. He described the platform as an important partner in promoting agricultural development and ensuring that relevant information reaches farmers and other stakeholders.
Dr. Ayinla noted that effective communication remains a critical component of successful project implementation and encouraged continued collaboration between SAPZ and the media to amplify the project’s impact across the state.
Similarly, the Agricultural Productivity Officer, Mrs. Olwapelumi Funbi Olawoyin, highlighted the importance of improving productivity among farmers. She explained that increased productivity is essential for achieving food security, improving farmers’ incomes and ensuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural enterprises.
She added that SAPZ is committed to supporting farmers with the knowledge, innovations and interventions required to enhance production and competitiveness.
The engagement concluded with a shared commitment between SAPZ and AgriGens Media to work together in promoting agricultural transformation, increasing public awareness and supporting the development of a vibrant livestock value chain that will contribute to economic growth and job creation in Kwara State and beyond.
