Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has lauded the fruitful relationship between the state government and the IITA which has opened the frontiers of agricultural development in the state.
Governor Makinde expressed this at the 5th anniversary of IITA Radio and the launch of IITA TV, held at the IITA Conference Centre in Ibadan.
While revealing the remarkable success stories of agricultural investment in the state, the Governor who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, highlighted the significant progress made in agriculture through collaborations with IITA.
He noted that one of the remarkable contributions the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has made to this administration is the release of its Agribusiness specialist, Dr. Debo Akande, who is currently the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA).
He also emphasized the importance of the Youth Agribusiness Incubation Park Centre in Awe, Oyo State, which is serving as a key training ground for youth agripreneurs in rural communities.
Makinde further revealed the impressive statistics about the Fasola Industrial Hub, which has created 1,500 direct and indirect jobs and supported 7,000 smallholder farmers.
He noted that the hub has attracted over ₦10 billion in private sector investment, with expectations for the figure to double within the next one year.
The governor also expressed high hopes that a partnership between the State’s Ministry of Information and the newly launched IITA TV and its existing radio arm will further bolster the effective dissemination of agrarian news throughout the State.
While unveiling the IITA online Television, the Director General of IITA, Dr. Simeon Ehui, reiterated the positive impact of effective communication while also stressing the importance of disseminating knowledge and information as a tool to driving agricultural development.
Likewise in her address, the IITA Communication Office Head, Katherine Lopez, represented by Ms Lilian Edosa emphasized the importance of making an impact in local communities through various agricultural programmes.
She appealed for the support of members of the public for these programmes, particularly in disseminating information that can benefit farmers.