The Oyo State Government has announced a strategic partnership with COVEC, a subsidiary of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), aimed at accelerating agribusiness growth and strengthening the state’s economic base.
The partnership was unveiled on Monday during a high-level Stakeholders’ Forum held at the State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, bringing together government officials, development partners, and agribusiness stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor Adebayo Lawal emphasised the significance of the collaboration, particularly in supporting the state’s food security agenda, boosting export potential, and aligning with the natural vegetation and agricultural strengths of Oyo’s agrarian zones.
Lawal said, “This partnership is not just a step forward in agriculture; it is a leap toward economic stability, export readiness, and a more resilient food system. It aligns with the vision of Governor Seyi Makinde to make Oyo State a leading hub of agribusiness in Nigeria and across West Africa.”
In his remarks, President of COVEC, Mr. Long Quoping, confirmed that the collaboration would prioritise the development of modern farm estates, agricultural mechanisation, and the upgrade of high-value crop production through advanced technology and technical expertise.
“Our mission is to introduce globally tested agricultural practices that will transform farming in Oyo State into a commercially viable and sustainable enterprise,” Quoping stated
The Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Debo Akande, described the partnership as a critical step in implementing the state’s Agribusiness Roadmap, which outlines Oyo’s long-term strategy for rural industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth. He noted that the partnership would not only enable technology transfer but also support project engineering and long-term infrastructure financing, especially in key areas where the state is already investing in agribusiness transformation.
“This collaboration brings in the kind of capital, knowledge, and innovation we need to scale our existing agribusiness projects and attract further private sector investments,” Akande said.
