Oyo State Set to Host 2025 International Agribusiness Summit, Dec- 3-4
…As Makinde Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency on Circular Road Project
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has announced that the State will host the Oyo State International Agribusiness Summit (OYSIABS 2025) from December 3 to 4, as part of ongoing efforts to drive growth, investment, and innovation across the agricultural value chain.
The summit, scheduled to take place at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Oyo State Agribusiness Transformation Centre in Fasola, is expected to bring together global agribusiness leaders, investors, researchers, and policymakers for high-level discussions aimed at accelerating economic development in the state.
Governor Makinde described the summit as a major opportunity for meaningful partnerships that will further strengthen Oyo State’s position as an emerging agribusiness hub in Nigeria.
Amid preparations for the summit, the governor also used the week to address concerns surrounding the ongoing construction of the 110-kilometre Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, one of the state’s largest infrastructure projects.
During a visit to Ologuneru in Ido Local Government Area on Wednesday, November 26, Makinde met with residents affected by the second phase of the project to clarify issues and reinforce his administration’s position on corridor demarcation and compensation.
He recalled that in 2024, the state government reached an agreement with affected communities to reduce the previously approved 500-metre corridor on each side of the road to 150 metres in already developed areas, maintaining 500 metres only in undeveloped zones.
This adjustment, he said, enabled the successful near-completion of the first 32-kilometre section without unnecessary displacement.
With the second 40-kilometre segment now underway, the governor noted that misunderstandings had resurfaced but assured residents that fairness remained a priority.
He issued clear directives to guide the next steps: Any marking outside the 150-metre limit in populated areas should be ignored.
The Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Authority will serve as the sole government engagement channel, no demolition will occur without prior compensation, and all complaints regarding unfair compensation will be reviewed and corrected.
Makinde emphasized that the Circular Road represents a transformational economic corridor rather than a simple highway, with plans for light manufacturing zones, logistics hubs, residential estates, commercial spaces, and key utilities such as power and fibre-optic infrastructure.
He invited investors, particularly in logistics, housing, and light industry, to partner with the state in developing the first segment around the Tech-U axis, describing the project as “a living economic spine” that will power jobs, housing, and innovation across Oyo State.
