Three weeks after the inauguration of the Steering Committee for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Project in the State, the Kwara State Government has, today inaugurated the State Inter-Agency Technical Committee (SIATC) for the project.

The project, which is to be financed by the loan secured from Islamic Development Bank, will span for five years to create wealth and address poverty through agricultural investment.

The Committee, chaired by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, is saddled with the responsibility of working based on the following Terms of Reference (TOR): meeting twice in a year to review and clear both the annual work plan and the budget of the project as well as review and assess implementation performance, providing oversight to the project delivery unit, handling technical issues, and reporting to the Steering Committee for policy direction.

Other members of the Committee include Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka as the Secretary and State Coordinator for the project; Engr. Yusuf Wopa from the Ministry of Water Resources (member); Engr. Fisayo Dada from the Ministry of Energy (member), Engr. Aduagba AbdulRazaq Abdulhamid from the Ministry of Works (member); and Alhaji Abdul Barka Ibrahim from the Ministry of Planning (member).

Inaugurating the Committee, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, said that it is a special opportunity for Kwarans to have the SAPZ Project in the State, adding that the project has the potential to impact positively on the economy of the State through massive agricultural investment.

She then urged members of the committee to ensure that people of the state feel the impact of the project.

The Chairperson noted that members of the committee were selected from their respective ministries based on the conviction of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, that they will live up to the expectation of the State government, reminding them that their selection for the project was based on their track record and credibility.

Earlier, the Secretary of the Committee and State Coordinator for the Project, Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, noted that the fact that His Excellency chairs the project's Steering Committee is a pointer to his devotion and commitment of this administration to equip Kwarans with opportunities for wealth creation.

He enjoined the committee members to justify the confidence reposed in them by the Governor.

Also in attendance at the inauguration ceremony were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Ishiaq Olayinka Oloruko-Oba.

Dr. Sangodare Ayinla,

KMCO,

Kwara-SAPZ Project