Kwara govt launches SAPZ project to boost agricultural production, employment opportunities
The Kwara State Government has launched the Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, aiming to foster sustainable agricultural practices and create job opportunities for Kwarans beyond the project’s duration. The government seeks media support to communicate the project’s objectives and implementation strategies effectively.
At a media advocacy event held on Thursday, Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, the State SAPZ Project Coordinator, addressed various media houses, highlighting the significance of keeping the public informed about the project’s stipulations and criteria for participation. He emphasized that the SAPZ initiative is designed to boost agro-industrialization, attract investors, and maintain ongoing farming operations, ultimately enhancing employment prospects.
Dr. Busari acknowledged Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s strong endorsement of the SAPZ program since its initial phase, focusing on cultivating zones with high agricultural productivity. The project particularly prioritizes dairy and beef production, alongside crop farming, to ensure food and nutritional security in the state. Plans include the establishment of four Agricultural Transformation Centers (ATCs) and an Agro-Industrial Hub (AIH) to further support these goals.
“The project’s infrastructure component will transform the rural communities involved,” he remarked.
Responding to the initiative, Alhaji Kayode Aremu, General Manager of Radio Kwara, expressed his gratitude to Governor AbdulRazaq for the state’s commitment to the project, declaring it a significant step towards transforming the region. Aremu assured that the broadcasting corporation would support promoting the SAPZ objectives and encouraging collaboration from other media outlets to ensure the project’s success.
Similarly, Hajia Binta Mora, General Manager of Harmony FM Idofian, commended the government’s strategic approach to enhancing agricultural production for job creation.
Furthermore, Alhaji Akeem Garuba, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Kwara, expressed the Chapel members’ readiness to promote the project, affirming that it is a commendable initiative worth supporting.
