The Government of Oyo State Government has pledged continuous support and collaboration for the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the State.
The Chairman, Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Prince Adebowale Falana stated this at the inauguration of agribusiness and food processing hub, at Sukuru Village, Iyana Offa, Lagelu Local Government, Ibadan.
The hub which was built by Abisal Megatop Limited, aimed at assisting the SMEs, young, female and the vulnerables food processors in the country.
Falana who represented the state government noted that the state Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has given him the mandate to run an open door policy in order to ensure that youth with lofty ideas and initiatives are adequately carried along.
“We are ready to assist and collaborate with any youth that has ideas in any field of their choice .
“Is not only agribusiness alone , we’ve been, in terms of entertainment , sports, digital skills, skills acquisition, all those things.
“What I saw here is very commending, is a good thing that Youths in the state are looking inward into agribusiness because everybody can’t be doing white collar job , but the few ones that want to go into this, Gov. Makinde is ready to assist.
“The office of Agency for Youth Development is open, come and share your ideas,” Falana said.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of Abisal Megatop Limited, Ambassador Omowunmi Dauda, said the hub is to train youths and empower SMEs, commended Oyo State government for their support.
“Today we are commissioning our hub in other to train Youths, farmers and people living with disabilities , to be able to commercialised their farm produce.
“What we should be expecting from this hub is training of youths and empowering SMEs as well.
“SMEs that don’t have capacity to buy their own machinery , can bring their farm produce to the hub for processing and package with their own company’s name at subsidised rate.
“Government should come to youths and women’s aid to help us in farming and processing,” Dauda stated.
In his remarks one of the stakeholders of Abisal Megatop Limited, Mr Eyitayo Adeoye said distribution of food that is safe for consumption is the priority of the hub.
He advised those that got seeds for planting, to make better use of it .
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers at the event, Oba Adebowale Aderemi JP, Onilaaduntan of Laduntan urged all and sundry to keep supporting homegrown products.
Falana was later conducted round the newly inaugurated hub, commended Abisal Megatop Limited for the provision of the food processing machines and equipments needed for smooth running of businesses in Lagelu Local Government and the state at large.
Present at the event include the National Public Relations Officer of National Cotton Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Kasali Abdulahi, Baale Agbe of Lagelu, Chief Oyabunmi Fatai, the Patron of Agbe of Lagelu, Chief Ajiboye Saka, among others.
