17/08/2026
Oyo SAPZ Capacity Building: Dr. Debo Akande Charges Youths to Embrace Innovation, Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Wealth Creation
..Commends Governor Seyi Makinde's unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and economic transformation
The Executive Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State on Agribusiness and International Development Cooperation and Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Debo Akande, DBA, CMGR, FCMI (DDA), has congratulated participants of the just-concluded Oyo Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Capacity Building Programme, urging them to translate the knowledge and skills acquired into productive ventures that will create wealth, generate employment and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Oyo State and Nigeria.
Dr. Akande stated that the future belongs to young people who are innovative, solution-driven and willing to acquire practical skills that address societal needs. He noted that the era of depending solely on white-collar jobs is rapidly giving way to one where entrepreneurship, Agribusiness, technology, value addition and enterprise development have become the true drivers of prosperity.
According to him, the two-day intensive capacity building programme, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Oyo SAPZ initiative, was deliberately designed to equip participants with practical knowledge, entrepreneurial competence and leadership capacity that will enable them to become employers of labour rather than job seekers.
He encouraged the beneficiaries not to regard the training as the end of their learning journey but as the beginning of a lifetime commitment to innovation, discipline, excellence and continuous self-development.
"I challenge every participant to maximize this opportunity by putting into practice everything learned during the training. Let your ideas become businesses, your businesses become industries, and your industries become platforms that create employment and improve the lives of others. Success belongs to those who are prepared to work hard, embrace change and remain committed to excellence."
The OYSADA Director-General further advised the youths to cultivate integrity, resilience, accountability and teamwork, stressing that sustainable success is built on character, competence and consistency.
Dr. Akande reaffirmed that the Oyo SAPZ Programme remains one of the strategic initiatives of the Governor Seyi Makinde administration aimed at transforming Agriculture from subsistence to a modern, commercially viable and industrialized sector capable of attracting investments, expanding value chains and creating thousands of sustainable jobs for the people of Oyo State.
He expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, DSc, GSSRS, for his visionary leadership, unwavering political will and consistent investment in youth development, Agribusiness and economic diversification.
According to him, the remarkable progress being recorded through the SAPZ Programme is a direct reflection of Governor Makinde's commitment to building an inclusive economy where young people are empowered with opportunities, practical skills and the enabling environment to thrive.
Dr. Akande also acknowledged the invaluable support of the African Development Bank (AfDB), development partners, facilitators and stakeholders whose collaboration has continued to strengthen the implementation of the SAPZ Programme in Oyo State.
He assured the people of Oyo State that OYSADA would continue to champion innovative policies and programmes that attract private investment, stimulate agro-industrial growth, empower young entrepreneurs and position Oyo State as Nigeria's leading destination for Agribusiness and industrial development.
Dr. Akande concluded by encouraging the participants to become worthy ambassadors of the programme by demonstrating excellence, professionalism, creativity and commitment in their various enterprises, while contributing to the shared vision of building a prosperous, food-secure and economically vibrant Oyo State.
E-Signed:
Written/Reported By
✍️ Moyosoreoluwa Olamilekan Eldreez
(IJOBA AUTHORITY MOE)
Media and Public Affairs Analyst