Oyo to adopt sustainable power, irrigation initiative to enhance food security, agribusiness
In a bid to enhance food security, agribusiness, and sustain agro-economy, the Oyo State Government has expressed readiness to adopt Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) initiative to drive all-year-round farming and agricultural productivity.
The SPIN project is a transformative intervention that will provide dependable irrigation facilities and sustainable power sources for farmers. It will reduce over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture, guarantee uninterrupted food production, and ultimately promote food sufficiency across the state.
During an on-the-spot assessment visit to the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority in Iseyin, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, explained that with a functional irrigation system in place, farmers will be able to cultivate high-value crops throughout the year, thereby creating wealth, reducing post-harvest losses, and ensuring stable food supply in both rural and urban areas.
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He further stressed that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration remains resolute in promoting modern agricultural practices through strategic partnerships, infrastructural support, and technology-driven solutions that will make farming more attractive, especially to the youth.
The commissioner also commended the management of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority for their collaboration and assured that the state government would continue to engage with critical stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation of the initiative.
Esther Olaniyi, director, Irrigation and Drainage, in her remarks, noted that the SPIN initiative had been introduced across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, with Oyo State emerging among the few that had shown genuine readiness to meet the prerequisites.
She emphasized that SPIN is not just about irrigation but also about sustainable development, as it would improve crop yield, expand employment opportunities, and contribute significantly to agricultural growth.
Olaniyi further disclosed that the project would be funded by the World Bank, while participating states are expected to fulfill certain conditions stipulated by the donor.
She urged the Oyo State Government to consider enacting legislation that would safeguard project lands, ensuring they are reserved strictly for agricultural purposes.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has partnered with the state chapter of Women In Hospitality Nigeria (WIHN) to celebrate the 2025 World Tourism Day, aimed at promoting cultural heritage across the state.
Wasiu Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, while speaking at the 2025 World Tourism Day, held at the National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan, explained that tourism has become a central pillar of the state’s cultural revival and sustainability drive.
He highlighted the government’s achievements in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s Omituntun 2.0 Roadmap for Sustainable Development.
“Oyo State today is the most active in cultural promotion in the entire Southwest. We have revived festivals that were once at the brink of extinction, and people are now proud to identify with our heritage,” Olatunbosun said.
The commissioner noted that in December 2023, UNESCO officially recognized and listed the Sango Festival of Oyo as a world intangible cultural festival.
He also revealed plans for the 2026 Egungun Festival, slated for May 2, which will include a symposium that will be done with the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, aimed at documenting and preserving cultural history.
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He called on individuals, associations, and corporate organizations to partner with the state in sustaining cultural initiatives, stressing that the government cannot do it alone.
Oluwakemi Olusola, regional director, WIHN, in her remarks, expressed gratitude to the state government for its support for the Oyo chapter, which was launched less than two months ago.
She added that the collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has already strengthened the association’s visibility and credibility.
“The theme of this year’s World Tourism Day is Tourism and Sustainable Transformation. This partnership means a lot to us as women making an impact in the hospitality and tourism industry. Together, we are building not just an association but a community of strong women who have a voice in shaping the future of tourism,” Olusola said.
Pamela Oriyomi Otuka, curator, National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, described the celebration as “historic,” stressing that women, culture, and hospitality are critical to Nigeria’s sustainable tourism future.
