By Faridat Salifu
The Oyo State Government has sealed a partnership with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation subsidiary COVEC to accelerate agribusiness transformation and attract long-term investment.
The agreement was announced recently at a stakeholders’ forum in Ibadan, where government officials, development partners, and private investors discussed strategies to boost food production and expand export opportunities.
Deputy Governor Adebayo Lawal said the partnership would enhance food security, create jobs, and position Oyo as a regional hub for commercial farming.
He added that the project aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision to diversify the state’s economy through agriculture and reduce reliance on imported food.
COVEC President Long Quoping said the firm would establish modern farm estates, introduce mechanisation, and improve high-value crop production using advanced technology.
He said the company’s mission is to make farming in Oyo commercially viable and globally competitive by sharing expertise and innovative practices.
Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency Debo Akande said the collaboration supports the state’s Agribusiness Roadmap aimed at rural industrialisation and sustainable growth.
Akande said the deal will provide technology transfer, project engineering, and access to infrastructure financing to expand existing agribusiness projects and attract more private capital.
