The Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project on Tuesday hosted a delegation from its Transaction Advisory Firm, SAO Capital, to refine its operational roadmap and accelerate the implementation of the agro-industrial initiative.
Welcoming the team, the State Project Coordinator, Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, described the meeting as a critical step in the execution of the project’s master plan. He noted that the session would help align key strategies for effective implementation.
Dr. Busari explained that the Kwara SAPZ is a livestock-focused project, primarily targeting dairy and beef production. It comprises four Agricultural Transformation Centres (ATCs) and one Agro-Industrial Hub (AIH). He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unwavering support and proactive investment, which he said has significantly aided the project’s progress.
He announced that the project would soon begin the pilot distribution of improved livestock breeds and modern milking equipment to farmers. This initiative, he said, is aimed at enhancing productivity and facilitating a shift from traditional dairy practices to modern, technology-driven methods.
The Coordinator also highlighted the groundwork already completed, including profiling, mapping, baseline studies, and gender assessments, all of which set the stage for full-scale implementation. He urged SAO Capital to adhere to the agreed terms of reference and emphasized that the firm’s role would be pivotal to the project’s success.
In her remarks, the Director of SAO Capital, Mrs. Omotola Shotinrin, reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to delivering the project to international standards. She described SAPZ as a globally recognized model and emphasized SAO Capital’s responsibility to ensure the project meets its goals of job and wealth creation.
Shotinrin added that the firm’s involvement would also help attract foreign interest to the project. She cited areas such as plan submission and bidding processes as key points of engagement where SAO Capital will provide strategic input.
Other members of the visiting advisory team included Project Manager Mr. Peter Fayomi and Project Officer Mr. Kadir Rasheed Ajao.
