Oyo State partners UK on technology-based agricultural solutions

The Oyo state government is set to partner with the United Kingdom AgricTech Centre on technology-based agricultural solutions.

The Executive Adviser to Gov. Seyi Makinde on Agribusiness, Dr Debo Akande, made this known on Monday, shortly after a visit of the UK delegation to the governor in Ibadan.

The delegation, led by Mr Mark Smithson, Director, UK Department of Business and Trades in Nigeria, comprised agribusiness experts, academics and heads of organisations making up the UK Agritech Centre.

Akande said the visit was meant to address the expansion of trade and opportunities between Oyo State and the UK.

He said the state government would benefit from the partnership in the area of boosting agriculture and livestock production with science and other technology-based solutions.

He also disclosed that the centre would build an Agritech Hub inside one of the state’s Agribusiness industrial hubs.

According to him, the construction of the hub, which is a funded project, is going to revolutionize agriculture in the state.

He added that the centre would provide practitioners with resources and opportunities in technological innovations in agriculture practice.

He noted that agriculture had moved from rudimentary “to technology, to innovation, to mechanical, and this is where and how we can increase productivity/production for livestock within our state”.

The leader of the UK team, Smithson, said the visit was to discuss with the state governor and other stakeholders in the state on opportunities in the area of agriculture.

“In February 2024, the United Kingdom and Nigeria signed an investment partnership, which comprises 40 different chapters.

“One of the priority areas for the UK and Nigeria is in the field of agriculture.

“So, we are here today to talk with the governor and the stakeholders in the state about the opportunities to bring the UK and Nigeria into collaboration in the field of agriculture,” he said.

NAN / Foluke Ibitomi