As part of its continuous efforts to enhance food security, boost agribusiness, and sustain the state’s agro-economy, the Oyo State Government has expressed readiness to adopt the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) initiative to drive all-year-round farming and agricultural productivity.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, disclosed this during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority in Iseyin.
According to him, the SPIN project is a transformative intervention that will provide dependable irrigation facilities and sustainable power sources for farmers. This will reduce over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture, guarantee uninterrupted food production, and ultimately promote food sufficiency across Oyo State.
Barrister Olaleye 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.
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.
In her remarks, the Director of Irrigation and Drainage, Engr. Mrs. Esther Olaniyi, 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 nationwide.
She 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. Engr. Olaniyi urged the Oyo State Government to consider enacting legislation that would safeguard project lands, ensuring they are reserved strictly for agricultural purposes.
Among the delegation present were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Oyo State, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye; the Project Manager, Middle Ogun Irrigation Project, Iseyin, Mr. Suleiman Olaleye; the Assistant Director, Irrigation Management, Engr. Ibe Uzoechi; and the SPIN Consultant, Engr. Soji Adeyemi, among others.
