Table of Contents
Honoring Dr. Debo Akande: A Pioneer in Oyo State’s Agribusiness Revolution
By Akindele Ibrahim Olore
Oyo State today recognizes the remarkable contributions of Dr. Debo Akande, whose visionary leadership has significantly transformed the agricultural and economic sectors of the region. As the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Akande celebrates his birthday amid the tangible successes of his initiatives, which have positively impacted farms, markets, and communities throughout the state.
Bridging Global Expertise with Local Agricultural Advancement
Dr. Akande’s career is distinguished by his unique combination of international experience and dedication to local development. Stationed at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) headquarters in Nigeria, he serves as CEO of IITA Business Incubation Limited, spearheading critical programs such as Mechanization and Zero Hunger. These roles have positioned him as a leading innovator in Africa’s food systems. Concurrently, his advisory role to Governor Seyi Makinde on Agribusiness and International Development Cooperation, alongside his pioneering leadership at OYSADA, has earned him a reputation as a trusted and effective public servant.
Transforming Agriculture into a Modern Economic Powerhouse
Under Governor Makinde’s administration, Dr. Akande has been instrumental in shifting Oyo State’s agricultural sector from traditional subsistence farming to a dynamic, technology-driven agribusiness ecosystem. His strategic vision emphasizes job creation, investment attraction, and inclusive economic growth, positioning agriculture as a cornerstone of the state’s diversified economy.
The Agribusiness Transformation Centre: A Model of Innovation and Investment
One of Dr. Akande’s flagship achievements is the establishment of the Agribusiness Transformation Centre in Fasola. This hub exemplifies how strategic leadership can elevate agriculture beyond mere production to a sustainable engine of prosperity. The centre has successfully attracted a broad spectrum of investors, both local and international, engaged in various facets of agribusiness including crop cultivation, livestock farming, agro-processing, and mechanization.
Key investors at Fasola include FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, which has acquired approximately 200 hectares for dairy farming and processing. Milkin Barn Agro Services Limited focuses on grain and dairy production, while IITA GoSeed collaborates on developing improved crop varieties such as cassava, cowpea, maize, and soybeans. Other notable participants include E4 Farms and BrownHill Farms, specializing in crop and dairy production and greenhouse farming respectively. Sigma Farms and Grandir Agribusiness Company Limited are enhancing the cashew value chain, while Rita Global Resources expands cassava processing. Technological advancements are driven by Agridrive and supported by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), promoting mechanization across the state. Troli International Limited contributes by producing value-added agro-products like Pepperetti sauce.
The Eruwa Agribusiness Hub: A Vision for Large-Scale Agricultural Development
Another landmark project under Dr. Akande’s stewardship is the expansive 3,250-hectare Eruwa Agribusiness Hub. Designed as a comprehensive centre for production, processing, and value-chain integration, this initiative underscores Oyo State’s commitment to leveraging agriculture as a major economic driver. The hub fosters a sustainable agribusiness ecosystem that connects farmers, processors, markets, and technology providers.
Ijaiye Agribusiness Industrial Hub: A New Era for Agro-Industrialization
On August 2, 2025, the groundbreaking of the Oyo State Agribusiness Industrial Hub at Ijaiye marked a pivotal moment in the state’s agricultural transformation. Led by Governor Seyi Makinde and attended by dignitaries including Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima (represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari) and African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, this project aims to convert traditional farm settlements into modern agro-industrial centres.
The Ijaiye hub is designed to stimulate employment, attract private sector investment, and enhance food security. Emphasizing processing, value addition, and efficient market access, it is set to strengthen the agricultural economy within the Ibadan zone and beyond, reinforcing Oyo State’s vision of sustainable agribusiness-led growth.
Global Partnerships and Youth Empowerment: Expanding Oyo’s Agribusiness Footprint
Dr. Akande has also been pivotal in integrating Oyo State into the global agribusiness network. Through strategic collaborations with international entities such as Semaris Rungis, efforts are underway to develop a world-class wholesale food market, positioning Oyo as a regional hub for food trade and security.
Central to his mission is empowering the youth. Initiatives like the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP) have equipped thousands of young people with skills in modern, technology-driven agriculture, fostering a new generation of agripreneurs. The NG-CARES program has further supported young entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses, generating employment and stimulating economic activity across urban and rural areas. Dr. Akande’s advocacy for digital literacy and vocational training continues to broaden opportunities for youth engagement in agribusiness.
Policy Leadership and Economic Impact
Beyond programmatic achievements, Dr. Akande plays a crucial role in shaping Oyo State’s economic policies. His involvement in designing and implementing initiatives such as the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones and the Local Production and Revenue Enhancement Strategy (LPRES) has fostered fiscal discipline, transparency, and improved revenue generation. By attracting sustainable investments in agribusiness, urban development, and industrial agriculture, he has helped position Oyo State as a benchmark for sub-national development in Nigeria.
Championing Food Security through Innovation and Technology
At the core of Dr. Akande’s work is a commitment to modernizing food production. By promoting scientific research, innovation, and agricultural technology, he has advanced safer, more efficient, and sustainable farming practices. This approach reduces dependence on outdated methods and enhances productivity throughout the agricultural value chain.
Celebrating a Legacy of Visionary Leadership
As Dr. Debo Akande marks another year of life, his journey stands as a powerful example of how visionary leadership, technical expertise, and dedicated public service can transform communities and economies. His unwavering belief in agriculture’s potential to drive socio-economic development continues to shape a future where Oyo State is food-secure, prosperous, inclusive, and competitive on a global scale. Retaining talents like Dr. Akande in governance is vital for realizing the state’s ambition of rapid industrialization.
On this special occasion, Oyo State not only celebrates Dr. Akande’s birthday but also honors the enduring legacy of innovation, purpose, and service he embodies.
Akindele Ibrahim Olore is the Publisher of Westerndailie
