The Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project has commenced sensitisation of stakeholders in communities across the state, on the general overview of the project, as it affects the people of Kwara State and environs.

The SAPZ programme is designed to boost agricultural productivity, through industrialisation of rural areas, to enhance wealth creation and reduce poverty in the state.

The sensitisation tour covered the local government areas of the project locations including Ifelodun, Baruteen, Kaiama, Asa and Moro, where stakeholders including traditional rulers, Local Government Council Officers, livestock and crop farmers (women, youths), non-governmental organisations joined the Kwara SAPZ Project Implementation Unit to get edified about the specifications of the project.

Speaking during the sensitisation tour, the State Project Coordinator, Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, explained that the SAPZ programme is an initiative that His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, will use to mobilise investment in food production and processing in special zones for stakeholders.

The Coordinator therefore sought the cooperation and support of the people at the grassroots, for successful implementation of the project.

Rolling out the benefits of the programme, Engr Busari highlighted agricultural industrialisation, improved food security, economic diversification and others, urging farmers to key into the project.

He affirmed that the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Project is development-driven, as it is designed to expand prosperity advantage for farmers and capable of reducing farmers - herdsmen crisis in the state, further explaining that the project will improve productivity along value chain, with concentration on livestock (dairy and meat production) and consideration for intervention, covering maize, rice and soya beans; and stating that this approach to farming will create multiple jobs for Kwarans.

While commending Governor AbdulRazaq for his dedication to agricultural revolution by embarking on different projects meant to address hunger, poverty, and improve the economy of the state, expressing delight over the acceptance of the project, by the people at the grassroots.

Explaining the overview of SAPZ to participants at the event, the Coordinator disclosed that four Agricultural Transformation Centers are to be sited at Olodan, Ifelodun, Local Government Area; Gidan Magajiya in Baruteen, Local Government Area; Kinnikinni in Kaiama Local Government Area; and Afon in Asa Local Government Area; will be serving the Agro-Industrial Hub that will be built in Malete in Moro Local Government Area.

In Afon, Asa Local Government Area, the Council Chairman, Alhaji Sheu Yahaya Amosa, disclosed that the Local Government needs special attention because of its topography, suggesting that adequate enlightenment and education be given to farmers in that area, in respect of the programme.

He revealed that the people of Asa Local Government are happy about the implementation of the project, noting that, the people are predominantly farmers, hence their passion for the project.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Moro Local Government Area, Hajia Mariam Omotayo Agbeke Abdulwasiu, said that it is out of love for development that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is committed to launching Agro-Hubs in the state, situating it in Moro Local Government Area.

Represented by the Speaker, Moro Government Council, Mrs. Adelodun Ramat, she maintained that it is clear that the government has the political will to diversify Kwara's economy and develop the rural areas.

During the sensitisation event in Igbaja, Ifelodun LGA, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. (Alhaji) Ahmed Babalola Awuni, the Elese of Igbaja remarked that Governor AbdulRazaq deserves people's accolades for his scorecard in the agricultural sector and his determination to tackling unemployment and poverty through agricultural creativity, stating that the SAPZ project will go a long way to reduce the farmer-herdsmen crisis, praying that God will continue to strengthen and guide the Governor.

Thanking the State Governor for his love and passion to develop the rural areas and every part of the state, the Emir of Okuta and Chairman, Baruteen Local Government Traditional Council, Dr. (Alhaji) Idris Abubakar Serobetete II, disclosed that Baruteen people are predominantly farmers, hence the SAPZ project is a huge opportunity for the people.

"We are delighted Baruteen is one of the LGAs hosting the project. We promise Baruteen will always be more eager to participate than any other LGA. When we talk of livestock and crop farming, Baruteen is not left behind. And this is part of why Kwara is a food basket for Nigeria. If this programme succeeds, there will be a new narrative in the state's history of agriculture", the royal father noted.

In his remarks, the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Sheu Omar Muazu, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for harnessing the agricultural advantages of Kwara to improve the state's economy through execution of in a number of agricultural initiatives, saying His Excellency is setting an enduring legacy for Kwara.

He then drew the attention of the government to the agricultural heritage of the people of Kaiama, stressing that the bulk of resources in the area make the place fit for the agro-industrialisation project that is underway.

The event specially featured different cultural troupes across all the communities visited, and the performances added colours to the sensitisation ceremony.

Dr. Sangodare Ayinla,

KMCO,

Kwara SAPZ Project