CTH Trading Stores Limited has commenced a landmark partnership with the Oyo State Government for the development of a 481.028-hectare Smart Agro-Cosmopolitan City in Saki, following its appointment as the preferred development partner by the Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Authority (OYSNTCDA).

The company announced that it had received its formal Letter of Engagement from the Authority, paving the way for the implementation of the ambitious public-private partnership project located at the Old Veterinary site, off Oje-Owode Road, Saki, in Oyo State.

The development, which spans nearly 1,200 acres, is designed to transform the Oke-Ogun region into a modern economic hub by integrating agriculture, technology, commerce and sustainable urban infrastructure.

Unlike conventional housing estates, the Smart Agro-City will leverage Saki’s agricultural strengths to create a resilient, technology-driven urban ecosystem capable of boosting regional productivity and cross-border trade.

According to the developers, the project will be executed in phases to align with market demand and regional growth.

Major components include a Smart Agro-Logistics Hub featuring specialised wholesale trade zones, cold storage facilities and automated supply chain infrastructure; off-grid solar-powered electricity and independent water systems; eco-friendly residential and technology districts with high-speed digital connectivity; and a seamless digital land administration system integrated with the Oyo State Government’s property registry.

Speaking on the project, the Managing Director of CTH Trading Stores Limited, Mr. Covenant Abimbola, said the vision extends beyond housing development to creating a sustainable economic ecosystem for the region.

“We are not just building houses; we are designing a sustainable economic engine for the region leveraging on my years of experience at the Schwarz Group, UK,” said Mr. Covenant Abimbola, the UK-trained young entrepreneur and Managing Director of CTH Trading Stores Limited.

He added: “By blending green technology with Saki’s thriving agricultural and cross-border commercial sectors we aim to create a digital industrial city right in the heart of the community, we are establishing a blueprint for decentralised development in Nigeria.”

Abimbola also lauded the Oyo State Government for embracing innovative partnerships to drive development.

“We highly commend Governor Seyi Makinde and the leadership of OYSNTCDA for their visionary commitment to public-private partnerships that empower local communities.”

The company disclosed that preliminary site mapping, environmental impact assessments, zoning frameworks and site clearing have already commenced. It also announced plans to engage local communities through a series of stakeholder consultation forums in the coming weeks to ensure residents’ inputs are incorporated into the project.

The official groundbreaking ceremony has been scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, after the completion of consultations and infrastructure planning.

Construction of the first phase, covering approximately 180 hectares, is expected to commence immediately after the ceremony.

CTH Trading Stores Limited, a subsidiary of Tinath Holdings Limited, is a diversified Nigerian enterprise focused on sustainable infrastructure, commerce and economic development through strategic partnerships and innovative community-centred projects.

The company said the Oke-Ogun Smart Agro-City represents its commitment to creating long-term economic opportunities while strengthening regional markets across Nigeria.