Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project has commenced sensitization of stakeholders in communities across the state
State Project Coordinator, Kwara Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, dropped this hint today, during the sensitization programme of community stakeholders, in Okuta, Baruteen Local Government Area of the state.
Dr Toyin-Isiaka said the sensitization is on the overview of the project, affecting the people of the State and its environs.
According to the Coordinator, stakeholders to be involved ranges from; Traditional Rulers Local Government Council Officers, livestock and crop Farmers to members of different Non Governmental Organizations, adding that, the exercise which commences in Okuta, Baruteen Local Government Area today 3rd of February, with sensitisation on the general overview of the project, will also dwell on a workshop for Women’s Agricultural Cooperatives and Women’s Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), on climate-smart agricultural technology, on from 4th of February.
Speaking at the programme, the State Project Coordinator who was represented by a Livestock Specialist, Kwara SAPZ Project, MrAbdulfatah Lekan Ambali explained that the SAPZ programme which is an initiative that Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, will be used to mobilise investment in food production and processing in special zones for stakeholders.
The Coordinator therefore sought the cooperation and support of the people at the grassroots, for successful implementation of the project.
Rolling out the benefits of the programme, Engr Busari highlighted agricultural industrialisation, improved food security, economic diversification and others, urging farmers to key into the project.
Emir of Okuta and Chairman, Baruteen Local Government Traditional Council, Dr. (Alhaji) Idris Abubakar Serobetete II, disclosed that Baruteen people are predominantly farmers, hence the SAPZ project is a huge opportunity for the people.
Chairman, Baruteen Local Government Council, Alhaji Jubri Issa, represented by the Head of Agric, Baruten Local Government Area, Dr. Abdulkareem Abdullahi, assured the government of their readiness to key into the project .
Mr. Musa Aliu Sheu, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed Baba and other farmers expressed their delights for the inclusive involvement in the project.
The occasion, which was to bring the SAPZ overview to the doorstep of the community stakeholders, had in attendance other traditional rulers from various Baruten communities, Non-Govermental Organisations and farmers’ associations.
The SAPZ programme is designed to boost agricultural productivity, through industrialization of rural areas, to enhance wealth creation and poverty reduction in the state.
