Oyo, Sierra Leone partner to boost agriculture with technology

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, have agreed to strengthen ties to enhance agricultural productivity and food security through technology and research.

The collaboration, which also involves the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aims to introduce innovative farming practices and public-private partnership to accelerate agricultural development in both Oyo State and Sierra Leone.

Makinde, who spoke, yesterday, on the theme: “The Power of improved technologies and public-private partnership to accelerate the feed Salone Strategy,” disclosed the collaboration during President Bio’s three-day visit to Ibadan, which began on March 3, 2025.

President Bio, in his written speech, highlighted Sierra Leone’s efforts in agribusiness development, as well as untapped agricultural potential, stressing the importance of leveraging scientific advancements to improve farming practices.

The Sierra Leone’s President, while emphasising the role of partnership and mutually beneficial collaboration between his country and Oyo State, said: “Our farmers deserve access to the best resources and knowledge available.

“We are not just looking at immediate gains; we are focused on sustainable practices that will benefit future generations. It is our responsibility to create a resilient agricultural sector that can withstand the challenges of climate change and market fluctuations.

“Embracing modern agricultural technologies will allow us to increase yields, reduce waste, and ensure that our farmers are competitive in the global market. We must invest in training and resources by empowering our farmers to utilise the technologies effectively.”

He also underpinned the importance of public-private partnership in accelerating what he called the “Feed Salone Strategy,” which aims to boost food production.

Makinde, while welcoming President Bio and his delegation to the state, emphasised that the collaboration between Oyo State and Sierra Leone is more than a diplomatic gesture, stressing that it is a strategic move to empower farmers and deepen economic growth. He said that training programmes should be developed to equip local farmers with the necessary skills to maximise productivity.

Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Marcus Ogunbiyi, explained that the federal government of Nigeria is leaving no stone unturned to ensure food security in the country.

However, during the three-day visit, President Bio will tour local agricultural research centres, including Fashola Farms in Oyo, and engage with stakeholders, including farmers and agricultural organisations.