The Oyo State Government, Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), Innovation Lab for Policy Leadership in Agriculture and Food Security (PiLAF) and Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission have called for stronger partnerships and collaboration among agricultural stakeholders to enhance agricultural yields.

They made the call at a two-day regional agribusiness sensitisation initiative organised by NABG with support from PiLAF, in collaboration with DAWN Commission, held at Adis Hotel, Bodija, Ibadan.

The Co-Principal Investigator of PiLAF, Prof. Adegbenga Adekoya, who delivered the opening remarks, emphasised the critical role of policy leadership and innovation in achieving food security and sustainable agriculture nationwide.

Speaking virtually, the Chairman of NABG, Kabir Ibrahim, said NABG was focused on ensuring farmers receive fair value for their produce. “This initiative is part of an ongoing effort by NABG across various regions. We aim to sensitise smallholder farmers on the importance of standardising their products for marketability, practicing climate-smart agriculture, and adopting good agricultural practices to enhance export opportunities and improve national food security. It is crucial to adhere to policy guidelines on seeds, fertilisers, and soil management to ensure successful agricultural practices,’’ Ibrahim said.

In his keynote address, the Executive Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Agribusiness and Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, Dr. Debo Akande, emphasised that agriculture should be seen as a business, highlighting the essential role of small-scale farmers in Nigeria’s agricultural future.

Represented by the Head of Economic Development and Research at DAWN Commission, Dr. Adesoji Farayibi, the Director-General of the commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, reiterated the commission’s commitment to advancing agribusiness, particularly, within the Southwest region.

Also speaking, the Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, called for increased collaboration with private investors to achieve higher agricultural yields.

Olaleye was represented by the Deputy Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics Department of the ministry, Mrs. Funke Adeniran-Adediran. Dr. Benjamin Oyelami of PiLAF, University of Ibadan, underlined the importance of addressing insecurity, preparing for climate change, and enhancing irrigation and research to ensure food security.

In his submission, the DG of NABG, Jafar Umar, said: “With the current food crisis in the country, it is imperative that we treat agriculture as a serious business to ensure food availability. NABG has been working with several partners to create initiatives that will lead us to a point of food sufficiency.” In her remarks, the Secretary-General of NABG, Mrs. Olubukola Nwaneri, stressed that “agriculture is the new oil,” underscoring the sector’s potential for driving economic growth.