In the heart of southwestern Nigeria, a quiet revolution is reshaping agriculture, rural infrastructure, and youth empowerment in Oyo State. At the helm of this transformation is Dr. Debo Akande, a visionary technocrat whose strategies have turned Oyo from a largely subsistence farming region into a thriving hub of agribusiness and industrial agriculture. As the Director General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency and a key advisor on international development, Akande’s work provides a blueprint for sustainable agricultural growth in Nigeria. Eniola Akinsipe writes.
Dr. Akande’s engagement with Oyo’s agribusiness sector began even before the current administration assumed office. “I wrote the strategy on agribusiness for Oyo State pre-election,” he explained, emphasizing that the foundation of the state’s agricultural transformation was deliberate and well-planned.
At the outset, Akande identified a critical problem: “There was no major document guiding agriculture in Oyo. Most of the interventions were accidental. We needed a strategy, an operational plan that would guide our actions deliberately.” This realization led to the creation of the Oyo Agribusiness Development Strategy, a living document first developed in 2019, which continues to guide the state’s agricultural initiatives today.
A major component of Akande’s strategy was conducting a thorough gap analysis and needs assessment. Through the first stakeholders’ meeting in August 2019, the team examined deficiencies in infrastructure, industrial capacity, youth training, and market access.
Key metrics were established: attracting $200 million in investment, creating 20 industrial processing plants, increasing youth employment in agribusiness, and improving rural infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses. Nearly all these targets have been met. Today, Oyo State boasts over 20 new processing factories, and foreign direct investment has surged to nearly $20 million.
Perhaps one of Akande’s most visible achievements is the development of rural infrastructure, particularly feeder roads connecting farm estates to processing centers. He highlights the importance of these roads: “Anybody driving on these roads will see the movement of agricultural products from farms to markets. This is not just infrastructure; it is the lifeline of the agribusiness sector.”
Over 1,200 kilometers of roads have been constructed, with special focus on rural areas previously cut off from commercial activity. By connecting farms to processing facilities and urban markets, Akande has significantly reduced post-harvest losses that historically reached 40 per cent.
Akande’s vision extends beyond farming; it encompasses industrialization and value addition, turning raw agricultural products into commercially viable goods. From cashew presses and brown sugar factories to rice milling facilities, Oyo State is experiencing a surge in agro-processing.
“Previously, agriculture was supply-driven, farmers produced without guaranteed markets. Now, with industries creating demand, we are driving a demand-led agricultural economy. This ensures that farmers earn better incomes, and value addition generates employment,” Akande notes.
Recognising the importance of human capital, Akande has made youth development a central pillar of his strategy. Thousands of youths have been trained in modern agricultural practices, business management, and technical skills. In parallel, technical and vocational education programs are being expanded to develop a cadre of skilled artisans capable of competing internationally.
“Our goal is to export skilled artisans, ensuring that local talent meets global standards. Why import skills when we can train our own youth?” Akande asks.
Dr. Akande’s approach demonstrates the power of technocratic expertise within political structures. He has served as a principal advisor to the state government, providing data-driven insights to shape policy decisions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, he coordinated the state’s food security strategy, ensuring uninterrupted supply chains despite global disruptions.
“Being a technocrat allows me to provide superior arguments for executive decisions,” he says. “It is about creating systems, structures, and policies that directly improve people’s lives.”
Service Over Politics
For Akande, public service is a family legacy. His grandfather, father, and uncles all held leadership roles dedicated to serving communities. Akande’s career, from international development to agribusiness, follows this ethos of service over wealth or personal gain.
“My decision to specialize in agribusiness management was guided by a desire to create impact. It’s about service, building systems, and ensuring sustainable development,” he explains.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Oyo Agribusiness
With several years of implementation behind him, Akande is already focused on the future. Key priorities include consolidating existing projects, expanding youth engagement, enhancing technical training, and attracting investments to climate-smart agricultural practices.
“We want to replicate our successes in agriculture across other sectors, education, health, and ICT, creating a model of holistic, sustainable development,” Akande says.
His vision emphasises systemic change over short-term gains, ensuring that Oyo State’s agribusiness sector continues to thrive and serve as a model for the rest of Nigeria. Dr. Debo Akande exemplifies how vision, expertise, and strategic planning can transform an entire sector. Through his leadership, Oyo State has moved from fragmented, subsistence farming to a vibrant, industrialized agribusiness economy. Rural roads, processing factories, youth empowerment, and international investment are no longer abstract goals, they are tangible achievements shaping the lives of ordinary citizens. In Oyo, the agribusiness revolution is no longer a dream; it is reality, and Dr. Akande is undeniably its architect.
