Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, have agreed to strengthen ties to enhance agricultural productivity and food security through technology and research. The collaboration, which also involves the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aims to introduce innovative farming practices and public-private partnerships to accelerate agricultural development in both Oyo State and Sierra Leone.
The collaboration was disclosed during President Bio’s three-day visit to Ibadan, which began on March 3, 2025. Makinde, who spoke on the theme: “The Power of improved technologies and public-private partnership to accelerate the Feed Salone Strategy,” highlighted the significance of the partnership. President Bio, in his written speech, emphasized Sierra Leone’s efforts in agribusiness development and the untapped agricultural potential in his country. He stressed the importance of leveraging scientific advancements to improve farming practices.
President Bio underscored the role of partnership and mutually beneficial collaboration between his country and Oyo State. “Our farmers deserve access to the best resources and knowledge available,” he said. “We are not just looking at immediate gains; we are focused on sustainable practices that will benefit future generations. It is our responsibility to create a resilient agricultural sector that can withstand the challenges of climate change and market fluctuations. Embracing modern agricultural technologies will allow us to increase yields, reduce waste, and ensure that our farmers are competitive in the global market. We must invest in training and resources by empowering our farmers to utilise the technologies effectively.”
The Sierra Leone’s President also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating what he called the “Feed Salone Strategy,” which aims to boost food production. Makinde, while welcoming President Bio and his delegation to the state, emphasized that the collaboration between Oyo State and Sierra Leone is more than a diplomatic gesture. He stressed that it is a strategic move to empower farmers and deepen economic growth. He said that training programmes should be developed to equip local farmers with the necessary skills to maximise productivity.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Marcus Ogunbiyi, explained that the federal government of Nigeria is leaving no stone unturned to ensure food security in the country. During the three-day visit, President Bio will tour local agricultural research centres, including Fashola Farms in Oyo, and engage with stakeholders, including farmers and agricultural organisations.
The implications of this collaboration are vast. By leveraging technology and research, both Oyo State and Sierra Leone stand to benefit from increased agricultural productivity and enhanced food security. The introduction of innovative farming practices and public-private partnerships will not only accelerate agricultural development but also create a more resilient and competitive agricultural sector. This collaboration is a significant step towards ensuring that farmers in both regions have access to the best resources and knowledge, ultimately benefiting future generations.
