As reported by Punch, the Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) project is expected to create 15,000 jobs and significantly boost the economic development of host communities through small and medium enterprises (SMEs) focused on agriculture-related trades.

This was disclosed by Dr. Busari Isiaka, the Coordinator of the Kwara SAPZ project, during the conclusion of a sensitization exercise in Malete, Moro Local Government Area. Dr. Isiaka emphasized that the project would achieve its goals by encouraging the formation of cooperatives within the local communities.

The initiative, which has received approval from the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, aims to foster economic growth and rural development through agricultural processing and trade.

The sensitisation team began the exercise at the Olodan community in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state on September 5.

A statement released on Saturday by the Press Officer of Kwara SAPZ, Dr Sangodare Ayinla, said the agro-industrial hub of the Kwara SAPZ project would be located at Malete, being the site earmarked for the processing of dairy and beef.

“Meeting with the representatives of the various communities around the Malete area, the State Project Coordinator described the SAPZ project as zone-based and designed to reduce post-harvest waste through value addition to farm produce and livestock.

Busari, who noted that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq inspired development, maintained that “the project will create many opportunities and offer bumper harvests for farmers in the beneficiary communities.”

He stated that the project would be financed with a loan secured from the Islamic Development Bank, adding that the Malete site would be central to other sites where the Agricultural Transformation Centres were situated.

The coordinator said some consultants would visit the communities for baseline studies, documentary, profiling and mapping, among others, to ensure the smooth take-off of the project.

Speaking on behalf of the representatives of the various communities present during the sensitisation, the Mogaji of Malete, Alhaji AbdulRahman Oreoluwa, thanked the governor for envisioning development for Malete through the project and many others.

He urged the government to work with the Alanguas and Magajis who were the heads of their various communities so that the residents would show acceptability and due hospitality.

He appealed to the government to re-construct the Shao-Malete road to ease the movement of residents of the area and boost their economic activities.

The communities represented at the meeting included Malete, Jenkunnu, Yeregi, Safari, Àjàgbé, Kogba, Budo-Are, Àpò Gunniyan, Biala, Monso, Atere, Eleguru, Tapa, Ago, Omoni Etile, Nigba and Olobi.