The Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project has begun engaging community stakeholders statewide to provide an overview of the initiative and its implications for the people of Kwara State and surrounding areas.

During a sensitisation programme held today in Okuta, Baruteen Local Government Area, the State Project Coordinator of the Kwara SAPZ Project, Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, outlined the project's objectives and benefits.

The SAPZ programme aims to enhance agricultural productivity by industrialising rural areas, thereby promoting wealth creation and reducing poverty across the state.

According to the Coordinator, stakeholders to be involved ranges from; Traditional Rulers Local Government Council Officers, livestock and crop Farmers to members of different Non Governmental Organizations, adding that, the exercise which commences in Okuta, Baruteen Local Government Area today 3rd of February, with sensitisation on the general overview of the project, will also dwell on a workshop for Women's Agricultural Cooperatives and Women's Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), on climate-smart agricultural technology, on from 4th of February.

Speaking at the programme, the State Project Coordinator who was represented by a Livestock Specialist, Kwara SAPZ Project, MrAbdulfatah Lekan Ambali explained that the SAPZ programme which is an initiative that His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, will be used to mobilise investment in food production and processing in special zones for stakeholders.

The Coordinator therefore sought the cooperation and support of the people at the grassroots, for successful implementation of the project.

Rolling out the benefits of the programme, Engr Busari highlighted agricultural industrialisation, improved food security, economic diversification and others, urging farmers to key into the project.

Thanking the State Governor for his love and passion to develop the rural areas and every part of the state, the Emir of Okuta and Chairman, Baruteen Local Government Traditional Council, Dr. (Alhaji) Idris Abubakar Serobetete II, disclosed that Baruteen people are predominantly farmers, hence the SAPZ project is a huge opportunity for the people.

"We are delighted Baruteen is one of the LGAs hosting the project. We promise Baruteen will always be more eager to participate than any other LGA. When we talk of livestock and crop farming, Baruteen is not left behind. And this is part of why Kwara is a food basket for Nigeria. If this programme succeeds, there will be a new narrative in the state's history of agriculture", the royal father noted.

Welcoming the sensitisation team, the Chairman, Baruteen Local Government Council, Alhaji Jubri Issa, who was represented by the Head of Agric, Baruteen Local Government Area, Dr. Abdulkareem Abdullahi, assured the government of their readiness to key into the project .

Mr. Musa Aliu Sheu, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed Baba and other farmers expressed their delights for the inclusive involvement in the project, stating that this will stimulate farmers' interest.

The occasion, which was to bring the SAPZ overview to the doorstep of the community stakeholders, had in attendance other traditional rulers from various Baruteen communities, Non-Govermental Organisations and farmers' associations.