KW-SAPZ: SAO Capital Upskills Project Staff to Enhance Implementation Capacity

KW-SAPZ: SAO Capital Upskills Project Staff to Enhance Implementation Capacity

The transactional advisory firm for the Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, SAO Capital Ltd, has deepened the technical knowledge and skills of the project's staff/ PIU (project implementation unit) through a 4-day capacity-building workshop.

The workshop, which is the second phase since the engagement of the firm as the transactional advisory firm for the Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, was held in Ilorin between 20th and 23rd of April, 2026, with the theme "Capacity Building Workshop for the State Implementation Unit (SPIU) of Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project."

Speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, affirmed that Kw-SAPZ is Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq’s vision of livestock commercialization and transformation, noting that such vision is now getting visible and popular among the people as all livestock programmes in the state are collaborating to achieve optimal productivity in the livestock sector.

While admitting that the execution of KW-SAPZ Project will expedite the attainment of the objectives of livestock, the Commissioner highlighted the numerous initiatives through which the state Ministry of Livestock Development has strengthened the capacity of livestock producers in the state, and the efforts of the ministry in reaching out to potential investors.

Commending SAO Capital for organising the capacity-building workshop/stakeholder alignment session, she pointed out the place of the advisory firm in the effective implementation of the project, tasking participants on the need to pay undivided attention and make good use of the skills received.

In her words, “The success of this project depends not only on infrastructure and investment but also on the competence and readiness of the people driving it. This capacity-building workshop is to take care of this necessity. I, therefore, encourage all participants to engage actively, share insights, and make the most of this opportunity to build the skills required to deliver impactful and sustainable outcomes for our state. I wish you a productive and enriching session”.

In her message, the State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, said that Kwara-SAPZ Project is envisioned to deliver a world class agro-industrialisation that drives productivity, innovation and economic growth, adding that this will transform the state’s agricultural landscape.

She persuaded various key players in the project to redouble their efforts to build a lasting legacy in the project of industrial ecosystem, declaring that the project enjoys total support from the present administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, applauded Governor AbdulRazaq for his strong commitment to agricultural transformation.

While reminding stakeholders that the success of Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project depends on factors like professionalism, financial commitment and technicality, Dr. Alabi stated that the workshop serves as a catalyst for aligning strategies to ensure that every component of the project is delivered effectively.

The State Project Coordinator of SAPZ Project, Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, said that the training would intensify efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, deepen technical knowledge, and ensure effective project implementation.

While noting that Kwara SAPZ Project is beyond political rhetoric, he stressed that the project is gaining wide acceptance among the people in the grassroots and expected to change the narrative of the usual way of doing agricultural business.

He added that SAPZ project will propel forces of socio-economic buoyancy to boost

people's livelihoods.

Accordingto him, "The Kwara SAPZ Project will make a memorable history in the state. It is a deliberate step taken by His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to situate Kwara with the ambience of agro-industrialisation meant to ignite job opportunities for our youth, and build an economic valve for our women."

The Project Lead, SAO Capital, Mrs. Omotola Agbin, presented the development milestone in relation to the firm’s engagement with KW-SAPZ, crucial points to address and projections ahead of the expiration of twenty-four months of engagement.

She expressed optimism that with the workshop “every member of the SPIU (state project implementation unit) is more knowledgeable in terms of the project and its different aspects because the sessions had equipped them with the tools of capability.”

Mrs. Agbin further urged the big businesses and medium size businesses in the state and beyond to come and join the laudable project, adding that attracting investors is part of SAO Capital as the transactional advisory firm to KW-SAPZ Project.

The workshop revolved round session of application of project management, stakeholders management and team collaboration; procurement and contract management; financial management and reporting; and safeguard framework and implementation presented by the Project Manager, SAO Capital, Egnr.Temitope Famoroti, Dr. Afolashade Oloni, Mr. Segun Osofisan and Prof. Odunuga Shakirudeen.

Also in attendance at the stakeholders alignment session included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock Development, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed; Director, livestock Development, Mal. Umar Mohammed; members of Technical Committee on KW-SAPZ; and representatives of relevant Ministries, Department and Agencies.

Dr. Sangodare Ayinla,

KMCO,

KW-SAPZ

07033530735

23/4/2026