In a strategic move to drive agro-industrialization and expand Oyo State’s presence in regional and continental trade, the state government has unveiled export-ready, value-added food products.
The launch, organised by the Agricultural Exporting Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society, took place at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives (MTIIC) Conference Room, Secretariat Agodi, Ibadan.
The flagship products showcased at the event include processed yam, cassava, and plantain flour, all neatly packaged for both export and local consumption.
This initiative marks a significant step in Oyo State’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing the quality of locally processed food items.
As part of its cooperative reforms, the state government also inaugurated a new Board of Directors for the Association of Nigeria Cooperative Exporters (ANCE) Limited.
The reform is aimed at modernising cooperative structures to meet global standards and attract international investors.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, announced plans to establish a Directorate of Quality Control within the Ministry.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mamud Okesade, Adebisi stressed that standardization of export products is crucial for penetrating competitive markets.
“The need to reform cooperative structures to align with current realities and investor expectations cannot be overemphasized,” Adebisi stated, urging the new ANCE board to prioritise transparency and unity in order to unlock opportunities in the global export market.
He further assured the board of unwavering government support in achieving its goals.
Key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and the Bank of Agriculture, commended the association’s compliance with regulatory standards. They also pledged to support ANCE through funding, technical guidance, and trade facilitation programs.
Newly elected ANCE President, Chief Kola Olomoyoyo, expressed his commitment to building on the achievements of his predecessor.
He highlighted plans to consolidate the cooperative’s cocoa and palm kernel export base while diversifying into livestock feed and bottled water production.
The event also featured the unveiling of a strategic plan aimed at modernising operations, expanding value chains, and attracting both local and international investments—a bold step toward positioning Oyo State as a major player in the agro-export sector.
