{"id":121213,"date":"2025-08-04T17:11:33","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T16:11:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=121213"},"modified":"2025-08-04T17:11:33","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T16:11:33","slug":"shettima-unveils-agro-hubs-to-strengthen-local-economies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/news\/shettima-unveils-agro-hubs-to-strengthen-local-economies\/","title":{"rendered":"\u200eShettima Unveils Agro Hubs to Strengthen Local Economies"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
By Daniel Adaji<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\u200e<\/div>\n
\u200eVice President Kashim Shettima has announced that the Federal Government is laying the foundation for agro-industrial hubs aimed at empowering farmers, stimulating local economies, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in global markets.<\/div>\n
\u200e<\/div>\n
\u200eShettima, represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made this known during the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Special Agro\u2013Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Program held in Ijaiye, Ibadan, Oyo State.<\/div>\n
\u200e<\/div>\n
\u200eIn a statement on Monday by Assistant Director of Information at the ministry, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the Vice president said, \u201cWe are laying the foundation for agro-industrial hubs that will empower agro-processors, farmers, stimulate local economies, and make Nigeria a competitive player in global markets,\u201d Shettima stated. He added that \u201cthe program marks a decisive stride in collective quest to build a resilient, self-sufficient, and prosperous Nigeria.\u201d<\/div>\n
\u200e<\/div>\n
\u200eDescribing SAPZ as more than just an infrastructural project, he said it is \u201ca bold declaration that Nigeria\u2019s future lies in transforming its abundant agricultural resources into value-added products that fuel industries, generate employment, and uplift farmers.\u201d<\/div>\n
\u200e<\/div>\n
\u200eHe noted that \u201cthe SAPZ initiative is one of the cornerstones of the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by the President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, a vision rooted in restoring Nigeria\u2019s dignity, unlocking vast potentials, and creating opportunities for every citizen.\u201d<\/div>\n
\u200e<\/div>\n
\u200eHighlighting the strategic nature of the programme, the VP explained that \u201cit is a product of strategic partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria, state governments, and esteemed international development partners, especially the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).\u201d<\/div>\n
\u200e<\/div>\n
\u200eHe commended the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, saying, \u201cyour unwavering commitment and dedication to the development of Oyo State have set the stage for this historic occasion. The event exemplifies the spirit of partnership and shared vision that is vital to our nation\u2019s progress.\u201d<\/div>\n
\u200e<\/div>\n
\u200eSettima also disclosed that he represented President Bola Tinubu at the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where SAPZ was showcased as Nigeria\u2019s flagship investment programme.<\/div>\n
\u200e<\/div>\n
\u200e\u201cAmong others, we held a bilateral engagement with the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Dr. Alvaro Lario, to request additional financing across the participating states to boost productivity,\u201d he said.<\/div>\n
\u200e<\/div>\n
\u200e\u201cThis collaborative effort underscores shared belief that sustainable development in agriculture is achievable only through unity, innovation, and shared responsibility. It is a clear indication that Nigeria is committed to leveraging global expertise, capital, and best practices to achieve sustainable growth and social inclusion,\u201d he added.<\/div>\n
\u200e<\/div>\n
\u200eThe Vice President reiterated President Tinubu\u2019s commitment to expanding SAPZ benefits across the 36 states, in collaboration with AfDB, starting with onboarding 10 more states by the first quarter of 2026.<\/div>\n
\u200e<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n