MAKINDE’S GIANT FISH NET: Debo Akande “A Net Cast Wide, A Catch Secured, Oyo, Feeding Africa, Empowering the Future” By Moyosoreoluwa Olamilekan Eldreez

On Monday, 25th August 2025, Oyo State once again demonstrated its rising status as an investment destination, as the Executive Adviser to the Governor on International Development Cooperation and Director-General of OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande, and his team members Mr. Kola Badmus (Permanent Secretary, OYSADA), Mr. Popoola Olushola (Regional Manager, Oyo Zone), Director, Admin. & Supplies Mr. Adesina Lawal and Director, Agribusiness Technical Services Mr A. O. Ajetunmobi including the Director DPRS from OYSIPA, received a high-powered delegation of 17 Chinese investors at CEO and Managing Directors levels of many companies led by Ms. Guoping Dong of China Overseas Engineering Group (COVEC). The visit was further strengthened with the participation of Hon. Yerima, Director from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Abuja and his intelligent team of professionals.

The investors are in Oyo State to explore Agribusiness and Infrastructural partnerships, with projections of injecting over $500 million (₦750 billion) into the State’s economy. Their request for a sizable hectares of land reflects the scale of their ambition and confidence in Governor Makinde’s economic transformation agenda.

Over the course of the two-day working visit, discussions revolved around: The State’s ongoing Agribusiness Transformation Agenda, Opportunities for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and Areas of strategic collaboration with Oyo State to strengthen food security and industrial growth.

The delegation embarked on tours across key Agribusiness and Infrastructural hubs, including: Oyo State Agribusiness Industrial Hub, Ijaiye (SAPZ), Oyo State Agribusiness Transformation Centre, Fasola (ATC), Ikere Gorge Dam, Iseyin and Oyo State Agribusiness Transformation Centre, Eruwa (though not visited, it was identified as a point of strong interest) and also IITA

The visitors expressed satisfaction with the conducive of Oyo State’s environment for large-scale investment.
Guess what? From my observation and analytics based on the investment drive funding to be injected into the project work, my believe on what $500m could mean for Oyo State is that the proposed investment could deliver significant economic multipliers such as:

Job Creation: An estimated 50,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next five years, spanning farming, processing, logistics, and ancillary services.

GDP Contribution: An additional ₦200–₦250 billion annually to Oyo State’s GDP once the projects reach full capacity.

Food Security: With access to 10,000 hectares, the investment could supply up to 15% of Nigeria’s annual maize, rice, and vegetable demand, reducing dependence on imports.

Export Potential: Analysts estimate a possible $100 million in annual agro-export earnings, positioning Oyo as a leading player in West Africa’s food supply chain.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): This deal alone would raise Oyo State’s FDI inflow by over 40% in 2025, boosting investor confidence in Nigeria’s sub-national economies.

Speaking on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr. Debo Akande assured the delegation of the government’s unwavering support towards food security.

“On behalf of His Excellency, we assure you of as much land as is required to grow, improve, and sustain food security in Oyo State. Our vision is not just to feed our people, but to position Oyo State as a continental hub for food surplus and agribusiness prosperity.”

In her remarks, Ms. Guoping Dong, President of COVEC, thanked Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State for the warm reception. She emphasized that their planned investment would not only expand food production capacity but also help in tackling food insecurity across Nigeria and Africa at large.

With this bold step, Oyo State under Governor Makinde has once again proven its readiness to cast the giant net of opportunities and catch global-scale investments that will translate into jobs, infrastructure, and sustainable prosperity for the people.

“Oyo: Feeding Africa, Empowering the Future”… Debo concluded.

Yours In Service,
Egalitarian Dig. Com.
Moyosoreoluwa Olamilekan Eldreez codenamed IJOBA AUTHORITY MOE Dynasty World-Wide Writes ✍️ From The Home of Generals Ibadan North East World Chairman Head Youth Media Campaign for GSM Re-election Bid 2023
Loyalist of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde FNSE Dsc GSSRS.
Advocate And Apostle For Governance