The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement through enhanced collaboration, proper data management and sustained engagement with cooperative stakeholders, as part of efforts to deepen economic growth and improve the welfare of cooperators across the State.

The Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, gave the assurance while receiving the leadership of the Oyo State Cooperative Federation Limited (OSCOFED), led by its President, Chief Segun Adegoke, alongside its Leader, His Royal Highness, Oba Lasisi Olagbemileke Oladimeji, the Aranyin of Iranyin, on a courtesy visit to his office at the State Secretariat, Ibadan.

Professor Adelabu appreciated the delegation for its goodwill, support and commendation of Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde’s administration, particularly on the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government without the payment of ransom, as well as the State Government’s investment in security through the procurement of a surveillance aircraft.

The Commissioner noted that the present administration remains committed to supporting cooperative development but stressed that effective planning and access to Government interventions must be driven by accurate statistics and credible data.

He charged the Executive Secretary of OSCOFED, Mr. Egbeyale Francis, and other cooperative leaders to ensure comprehensive documentation of cooperative societies and farmers across the 33 Local Government Areas of the State, explaining that such information would enable Government to adequately capture cooperators in intervention programmes.

According to him, several agricultural support initiatives of the Oyo State Government, including fertilizer distribution, tractorisation support, seedlings, agricultural loans through the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State (ACCOS) and the SAfER Programme, are accessible through established Government channels and require proper registration and submission of beneficiaries’ data.

Professor Adelabu further stated that the Ministry would continue to work closely with OSCOFED and relevant stakeholders to strengthen the cooperative sector, while encouraging continuous engagement with Government through the appropriate channels for the advancement of cooperative societies in Oyo State.

On the proposed 2026 International Cooperative Day Celebration, the Commissioner welcomed the Federation’s plans for the annual event and assured the delegation that the Ministry would continue to liaise with relevant authorities to ensure appropriate Government participation in line with official schedules and protocols.

He reiterated that his administration would maintain an open-door policy, foster stronger synergy with cooperative societies and work towards building a vibrant cooperative sector capable of contributing meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Oyo State.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Industry and Cooperatives, Honourable Adeyemo Emmanuel, described cooperative societies as dependable vehicles for economic empowerment and wealth creation. Drawing from his personal experience as a former employee of Nigerian Breweries Plc, he said cooperative societies had significantly contributed to his personal development and expressed confidence that the concerns presented by OSCOFED would receive the necessary attention through the appropriate Government channels.

Speaking on behalf of the Federation, the President of OSCOFED, Chief Segun Adegoke, congratulated the Honourable Commissioner on his appointment and commended the Oyo State Government for its achievements in security and good governance.

He described cooperative societies as dependable partners in community development, financial inclusion and agricultural productivity, while appealing for greater collaboration and support to strengthen cooperative activities, especially in the areas of agricultural financing, affordable farm inputs and access to intervention programmes.

Chief Adegoke also informed the Commissioner of the Federation’s preparations for the 2026 International Cooperative Day celebration across the 33 Local Government Areas of the State and expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s continued cooperation with the cooperative movement.

Also speaking, the Leader of OSCOFED, His Royal Highness Oba Lasisi Olagbemileke Oladimeji, the Aranyin of Iranyin, highlighted the historical contributions of cooperative societies to the socio-economic development of Oyo State and Nigeria. He appealed for stronger institutional collaboration between Government and cooperative societies, noting that cooperatives remain strategic partners in employment generation, agricultural development and grassroots economic empowerment.

As a mark of appreciation and goodwill, the leadership of OSCOFED presented a specially designed roll-up banner bearing the portrait of the Honourable Commissioner, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, to commemorate the visit and reaffirm their commitment to a cordial working relationship with the Ministry.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, Directors and other management staff of the Ministry were also in attendance.

The Oyo State Government has witnessed the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Government, the cooperative movement and a technology consultant, marking a significant step towards the digital transformation and reform of Nigeria’s cooperative sector.

The MoU was signed today, Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the National Technical Workshop on Cooperative Sector Digitalization and MoU Signing Ceremony held at Ladi Kwali Acacia Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.

The agreement was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Department of Cooperatives, on behalf of the Federal Government; the President, Cooperative Federation of Nigeria, on behalf of cooperators; and the Chief Executive Officer of Seamfix Ltd., on behalf of the consultant.

The Oyo State Government, which was represented at the event by the Director of Cooperatives, Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Mr. Idowu Olawoyin, who represented the Honourable Commissioner, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, welcomed the development as an opportunity to strengthen the State’s cooperative system and align it with the emerging national digital framework.

Speaking on the significance of the agreement, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Department of Cooperatives, described the MoU as an important step towards translating the Federal Government’s reform vision for the cooperative sector into a practical and sustainable digital system.

He noted that the partnership would provide the foundation for a more coordinated and reliable cooperative information system, particularly through the implementation of the National Cooperative Smart Registry (NCSR), Cooperative Verification Number (CVN) and Cooperative Member Identification Number (CoopID).

According to him, the initiative would strengthen the identification and verification of cooperative societies and members, improve data management and enhance transparency, accountability, planning and service delivery within the sector.

He stressed the importance of collective ownership of the reform, urging State Governments, cooperative federations, societies and other stakeholders to support the implementation process to ensure that the benefits of digitalisation reach cooperative members across the Country.

The Permanent Secretary also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning the cooperative sector as a strategic instrument for economic development, financial inclusion, enterprise development, employment generation and wealth creation.

He further appreciated the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria and co-operators nationwide for their cooperation and commitment to the reform process, as well as the Government officials, stakeholders and other participants whose contributions facilitated the successful workshop and MoU signing.

The MoU forms part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme (RH-CRRP 2025–2030), which seeks to move the cooperative sector from predominantly analogue processes to a modern, transparent, productive and digitally enabled system.

Through the new digital framework, cooperative societies and members are expected to benefit from improved identification, reliable records and better access to Government interventions, finance, markets and other economic opportunities.

For Oyo State, participation in the process is particularly significant as the State continues to promote accurate data management and stronger institutional systems across its economic sectors.

The initiative also aligns with the position of Commissioner Adelabu, who has consistently emphasised accurate data, effective coordination and modern approaches to strengthening the Department of Cooperatives and improving service delivery.

The Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, therefore reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government and other stakeholders towards the successful implementation of the digitalisation programme and the emergence of a stronger, more organised and inclusive cooperative sector.

The MoU signing marks a significant step towards ensuring that Nigeria’s cooperative movement is supported by credible data, digital identity, improved governance and systems capable of connecting cooperative members to wider opportunities for economic growth and empowerment.

The Oyo State Government has commenced a data capture and identity card registration exercise for traders, artisans, cooperative members and industrialists across the state’s 33 local government areas, with each beneficiary expected to pay ₦1,000 for the identification card.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Prof. Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the ministry in Ibadan.

He said the exercise was designed to create a credible database for economic planning and improve access to government interventions.

Adelabu said “the Oyo State government could not effectively plan for traders, artisans, cooperatives and industrialists without reliable information on their number and distribution.”

He disclosed that Global Sight Services Limited had been engaged to coordinate the data capture and production of the identity cards.

Also speaking the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olajide Mamud Okesade, said the identity card would contain modern security and verification features, including a QR code and chip.

He added that “the cards were expected to be ready within one month of registration, while the consultant would visit markets, associations and business clusters across the state.”

The consultant, Dayo Bello, said the registration would be linked to verified information, including National Identification Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers, to reduce duplication, fraudulent claims and inaccurate records.

He said the cards would be produced in ATM-card format and linked to beneficiaries’ verified bank accounts, while the ₦1,000 payment would be made into the beneficiary’s account.

Meanwhile, the state government has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting EXPOYO 2026, with the Commissioner disclosing that a fresh memorandum was being prepared for Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

The development followed administrative processes that delayed the earlier proposed date for the trade fair.

The Vice President of the Oyo State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Abiola Alli, had appealed for the early approval of EXPOYO 2026, proposed for the last week of October.

He said early confirmation of the date would enable exhibitors, investors and development partners to make adequate preparations, while the Commissioner urged OYCCIMA to strengthen its role in investment promotion, economic advocacy and generation of sector-specific data to support government planning.

The Oyo State Government has commenced the referendum process for the reinstatement and activation of memberships into the Market Leaders’ Council, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, inclusiveness and democratic representation of traders and artisans across the State.

The statewide exercise, which commenced on 14 July 2026, is being conducted across recognised traders’ clusters and associations and will continue at designated venues until its conclusion.

Representing the Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, at the various referendum exercises, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, conveyed the warm regards of the Honourable Commissioner to the traders and artisans. He explained that the referendum became necessary following the expiration of the tenure of the previous Market Leaders’ Council members on 23 March 2024, adding that each recognised traders’ cluster and association is expected to democratically elect one representative to serve on the Council for a two-year tenure.

Okesade stated that the Ministry’s presence at every referendum is to ensure strict compliance with due process and democratic principles. He stressed that elected representatives must emerge through broad participation by members from all the seven geo-political zones of Oyo State, while participating associations are required to submit attendance records, minutes of the referendum and group photographs on their official letterhead as evidence of a credible, transparent and duly conducted process.

He congratulated the representatives already elected, commending the unity, maturity and cooperation displayed by traders and artisans throughout the exercise.
He also disclosed that the Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo,Presidents and members of Trade Associations will soon conclude on plans to introduce an identity card scheme for traders across the State. This is designed to strengthen Trade organisation, recognition and ease coordination of Traders by the Ministry.

The referendum exercise, is expected to be concluded on or before 31 July 2026. Upon completion, the duly elected representatives will constitute the reinstated Market Leaders’ Council, further strengthening collaboration between the Oyo State Government and the organised trading community in advancing commerce and economic development across the State.

The exercise reflects the commitment of the State Government to promoting transparency, accountability and inclusive representation across organised trading communities in Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to attracting credible private sector investments that will stimulate economic growth, create wealth and support sustainable development across the State.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu  Adelabu, stated this while receiving a delegation from Gestpoint Nigeria Limited, led by the Ibadan Branch Manager, Mrs. Funmilola Taiwo, alongside  Mr. Moses Ayodele, Gestpoint Consultant and other members of the team, during a meeting held at his office.

Professor Adelabu described cocoa as a major economic crop that played a significant role in the development of the old Western Region, noting that the sector requires renewed attention to unlock its economic potential. He disclosed that Oyo State already has ongoing initiatives on cocoa plantation and investment, adding that Government remains open to proposals that align with the State’s economic development agenda.

The Commissioner stressed that any partnership with the Government must be built on a well-defined framework that clearly identifies the roles of all parties. Drawing examples from successful investment models in Malaysia and Rivers State, he emphasized the need for thorough stakeholder engagement, proper due diligence and clearly defined responsibilities relating to land, financing, technical expertise and off-taking arrangements. He therefore directed the company to formally submit its proposal to the Ministry for further evaluation and necessary engagements.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, informed the Commissioner that the Ministry had earlier met with the company through the Department of Cooperatives and commenced preliminary discussions on its proposed cocoa investment initiative.

Mr. Okesade explained that the discussions had not been concluded, adding that the proposal was presented to enable the Honourable Commissioner  to  determine whether it aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of expanding investment opportunities and enhancing the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He recalled that during the earlier engagement, the Ministry encouraged the company to explore the possibility of establishing a similar cocoa plantation project in Oyo State, particularly in suitable locations within the Oke-Ogun axis, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Cocoa Development Unit (CDU) and other relevant stakeholders.

Presenting the company’s proposal, the Ibadan Branch Manager of Gestpoint Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Funmilola Taiwo and Mr. Moses Ayodele, Gestpoint Consultant said the company’s Cocoa RepubliQ project is located at Shapala Village, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State and combines agricultural investment with land ownership.

She explained that under the company’s investment model, investors acquire agricultural land while Gestpoint manages land preparation, planting, cultivation, harvesting and marketing of hybrid cocoa seedlings expected to attain commercial production after about three years. According to her, each acre accommodates approximately 400 cocoa trees, while the company also provides insurance cover, security, regular project updates and a revenue-sharing arrangement for continued plantation management. She added that the initiative is designed to provide investment opportunities for individuals and cooperative societies, including those who may jointly acquire farmland.

The meeting formed part of the Ministry’s continuous engagement with prospective investors aimed at evaluating investment proposals capable of promoting private sector participation, agricultural value chain development and sustainable economic growth in Oyo State, in line with established government procedures.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as part of efforts to accelerate industrial development, expand trade opportunities and create more employment for the people of the State.

The Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, stated this while receiving a delegation from the Weights and Measures Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, led by the Deputy Director of the department, on a courtesy visit to his office at the Ministry’s Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Professor Adelabu said that effective coordination and collaboration between the Federal and State Governments remain the surest pathway to growing the nation’s economy and reducing unemployment.

He noted that the Federal Government’s emphasis on industrialisation, investment promotion, digital literacy and enterprise development aligns with Oyo State’s development agenda, stressing that the State must position itself to fully benefit from various federal policies, grants, intervention programmes and development initiatives.

The Commissioner observed that several agencies under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment provide opportunities capable of stimulating economic growth, attracting investments and supporting businesses, adding that Oyo State would continue to strengthen networking and partnerships to ensure that its citizens benefit from such programmes.

He further explained that reliable data, strategic collaboration and institutional synergy are essential to improving the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), reducing unemployment and raising the standard of living of Nigerians.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, recalled the existing relationship between the Oyo State Ministry and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, particularly in promoting trade and export development.

He explained that export promotion requires strict adherence to standards, including weights and measures, noting that although the regulation of weights and measures is an exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government, there is a need for stronger collaboration to expand its impact within the State.

Mr. Okesade proposed the development of a technical framework that would institutionalise cooperation between both ministries, facilitate regular information sharing and strengthen policy implementation. He also advocated the establishment of a communication platform involving principal officers from both sides to enhance coordination and ensure prompt dissemination of relevant information and opportunities.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and Deputy Director, Weights and Measures Department, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Engineer Ibiyemi Victor said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Federal and Oyo State Governments in the implementation of policies and programmes that promote industrialisation, trade facilitation, investment and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) development.

According to him, the Federal Ministry is committed to promoting economic growth, wealth creation and employment generation by transforming Nigeria into a globally competitive industrial and commercial hub through strategic policy formulation, investment promotion and trade expansion.

He explained that many federal initiatives, including grants, intervention programmes and trade facilitation schemes, can only achieve maximum impact through active collaboration with State Governments, urging Oyo State to deepen its engagement with the Federal Ministry to enable residents and businesses benefit from available opportunities.

Engineer Ibiyemi Victor further assured the Ministry of the department’s readiness to facilitate closer engagement with the Federal Ministry’s leadership and other relevant agencies, including providing necessary support in areas relating to weights and measures, investment promotion and industrial development.

He also encouraged the State Government to explore opportunities available through Free Trade Zones and other federal initiatives aimed at enhancing industrial capacity, attracting investments and promoting sustainable economic development.

The Oyo State Government has reiterated the importance of creating greater opportunities for traders, artisans, entrepreneurs and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) through skills development, business networking, enterprise support and trade promotion.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Adelabu, made this known at the Ibadan edition of the Nigeria Business Summit 2026 Regional Tour, organised by Stanbic IBTC Bank under the theme, “Empowering Nigerian Enterprises for Growth,” held at the Jogor Event Centre, Ibadan.

Professor Salihu Adelabu said the Oyo State Government has continued to implement initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacity of artisans, traders, entrepreneurs and SMEs to improve their productivity and competitiveness.

According to the Commissioner, the Ministry has been working on capacity-building programmes for artisans and entrepreneurs through skills upgrading, while also encouraging access to funding opportunities, promoting import and export activities and exposing businesses to networking opportunities that can enhance enterprise growth.

Professor Adelabu commended Stanbic IBTC Bank for bringing the Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour to Ibadan and for providing a platform through which business owners can gain practical knowledge, build strategic business relationships and explore opportunities that will contribute to the growth of their enterprises.

He also acknowledged the commitment of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, to programmes that support economic growth through agriculture, agribusiness and infrastructure development.

The Commissioner noted that the State Government is implementing the SAfER (Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery) initiative to cushion the effects of economic challenges through interventions that support businesses, farmers and other vulnerable groups, while also promoting a more conducive environment for enterprise growth.

He further stated that the Government’s agricultural support initiatives include the tractorisation programme, through which eligible farmers pay part of the cost of land preparation while the State Government subsidises the balance, in addition to the distribution of fertilisers to encourage agricultural production. He added that ongoing investments in road infrastructure also contribute to improving the business environment across the State.

Earlier, the Head, Enterprise Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mrs. Jumoke Bello, said the Nigeria Business Summit was created to support Nigerian enterprises by providing business owners with practical knowledge, strategic networking opportunities and business advisory services.

She explained that the Bank is committed to supporting SMEs by connecting entrepreneurs with the right networks, facilitating access to business opportunities and exposing participants to trade and export prospects capable of adding value to their enterprises.

Mrs. Bello stated that Stanbic IBTC’s collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry for the Ibadan summit reflects the Bank’s desire to work with relevant stakeholders in supporting the growth of traders, artisans and SMEs.

She expressed confidence that participants would benefit from the knowledge shared during the summit, particularly in the areas of business growth, enterprise development, networking and access to emerging opportunities within and beyond Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo, commended Stanbic IBTC Bank for organising a programme dedicated to the growth of indigenous businesses and appreciated the Oyo State Government for its continued efforts toward creating an enabling environment for commerce and enterprise.

He urged traders, market leaders and artisans across the State to take full advantage of the knowledge, networking sessions and business opportunities provided through the summit, stressing that continuous learning, innovation and collaboration remain essential for building stronger and more competitive businesses.

The Nigeria Business Summit is an initiative of Stanbic IBTC Bank designed to support Nigerian enterprises through knowledge sharing, networking, business advisory services and enterprise development. Following the inaugural edition held in Lagos, the 2026 Regional Tour is being taken to four commercial cities across the country—Onitsha, Aba, Ibadan and Kano—to bring enterprise development opportunities closer to business owners within their local markets.

The Oyo State Government has launched a Digital Labour and Skills Database aimed at boosting employment opportunities, improving workforce coordination and strengthening the ease of doing business across the State.

The initiative was unveiled during the Stakeholders’ Engagement between the Oyo State Government and the Organised Private Sector held on Thursday, 14th May, 2026 at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Buildings, Oyo State House of Assembly, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The programme, organised by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) and Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP) 2025, brought together stakeholders from government agencies, organised private sector groups, MSMEs, artisans, cooperatives, manufacturers, traders and development partners.

Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, described the Oyo State Labour & Skills Registry (OSLSR) as a strategic intervention designed to bridge the gap between skilled labour supply and market demand in the State.

He explained that the digital platform would provide a comprehensive database of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers across the 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State, while enhancing access to verified manpower for employers and investors.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant on Industry and Cooperatives noted that the initiative would support evidence-based planning, improve access to business support services, strengthen industrial development and create a more investment-friendly environment in Oyo State.

During the technical session, the Spokesperson for the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), Mr. Kilanko Olayemi, presented a paper titled “Understanding the Ease of Doing Business: The Role of the Labour Database,” where he highlighted Oyo State’s emergence as the 3rd Best Performing State in Nigeria in the PEBEC 2025 Ease of Doing Business ranking.

The Project Lead for Chemiroy Nigeria Limited,  the Consultant handling

the initiative, Mr. Awwal Lawal, also conducted participants through a practical walkthrough session on the use of the Labour Database website, explaining that the platform would enable residents to securely register their skills, work experience and employment status using mobile devices.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of Bola Ige International Business Complex, New Gbagi, Ibadan, Alhaji Adetona Morufu, representing the Babaloja General of Oyo State, and the Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), Alhaji Akinlade, commended the State Government for the initiative, describing it as a major step toward empowering traders, artisans and skilled workers through improved visibility and access to opportunities.

The engagement featured interactive discussions and stakeholder contributions geared towards ensuring the successful implementation of the Oyo State Labour & Skills Registry initiative across the State.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving public health and boosting industrial standards through a strategic partnership with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), with a strong focus on food fortification and compliance among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Speaking while receiving a delegation from SON at the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, described the collaboration as timely and aligned with the current administration’s priority of ensuring the well-being of citizens.

He noted that effective documentation and structured collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) remain critical to achieving meaningful results. The Permanent Secretary emphasized the need for clearly defined roles and responsibilities between the Ministry and SON to ensure that policies translate into measurable outcomes.

According to him, “Food fortification is a vital area where we can work together to improve the nutritional status of our people. As the saying goes, ‘if you don’t watch what you eat, you will eat medicine.’ This underscores the importance of this initiative to public health.”

Mr. Okesade further stressed the importance of developing a practical work plan with timelines, joint monitoring mechanisms, and robust data-sharing systems to drive the partnership. He added that the Ministry is open to leveraging existing structures, such as the State Industrial Crisis Management Committee, to support effective implementation and outreach to SMEs.

He reiterated the Ministry’s willingness to participate fully in the initiative, noting that substandard products have had adverse effects on consumers and exporters whose goods are often rejected in international markets.

Earlier, the Director General/Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, in a speech delivered by the Director, South West Region, Mr. Adedayo David, highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing malnutrition through food fortification.

He explained that fortification, adding essential vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed foods such as flour, sugar, salt, and edible oil, remains a practical solution to tackling micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among vulnerable groups.

Dr. Okeke disclosed that SON has established standards for fortified foods and is introducing a Digital Fortification Quality Traceability system to enhance monitoring, improve compliance, and ensure transparency.

He identified key areas for collaboration with the Ministry to include joint monitoring of fortified products, alignment with state nutrition programmes, data sharing, and public sensitization campaigns.

Also speaking, the Deputy Director, Nutrition, SON, Mrs. Nwafor-Ikenna Victoria, emphasized the critical role of SMEs in achieving compliance with fortification standards. She noted that many cases of non-compliance stem from inadequate traceability and poor product documentation among medium-scale enterprises.

She appealed for the Ministry’s support in identifying and engaging SMEs across the state, stressing that collaboration is essential to drive awareness, ensure compliance, and monitor market activities effectively.

In her remarks, the Director of Trade in the Ministry, Mrs. Modupe Adesina, welcomed the proposed partnership and disclosed plans by the Ministry to establish a Department of Quality Control to further strengthen standards among local producers, especially exporters.

She added that the State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, has continued to support SMEs in obtaining export certifications through the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), thereby enhancing their competitiveness in global markets.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen engagement through formal communication, structured planning, and sustained collaboration aimed at improving food quality, safeguarding public health, and promoting industrial growth in Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship development and the promotion of local production as a driver of economic growth, disclosing that the Graduate Industrial Self-Employment Scheme (GISES) will commence within the next two weeks.

The disclosure was made through the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Honourable Adeniyi Adebisi, while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of the Genspark 2026 Entrepreneurs’ Empowerment Summit and Ibadan Business Exhibition held at the Indoor Games Hall, Liberty Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

Hon. Adebisi explained that GISES is a structured revolving loan scheme designed to provide seed capital for unemployed graduates to establish small-scale industrial ventures.

He said that the initiative includes an entrepreneurship development component to equip beneficiaries with practical skills in business identification, management and feasibility analysis, ensuring sustainability.

He noted that the theme of the summit, “Local Production as a Backbone for Thriving Economies; Get Involved,” aligns with the vision of the present administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde, which prioritises job creation, youth engagement, and sustainable economic development.

He emphasised that the State Government remains deliberate in its efforts to reduce unemployment through strategic initiatives such as skills acquisition programmes, vocational training, and support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

He added that empowering young people with market-relevant skills in areas such as manufacturing, agribusiness, and innovation would not only enhance productivity but also position them as drivers of economic transformation.

The Commissioner highlighted ongoing collaborations between the Ministry and relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), to train farmers and exporters, as well as government-backed initiatives designed to support emerging entrepreneurs.

He further encouraged participants to leverage these opportunities to build viable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the State’s economy

Speaking also, Chairman of the opening ceremony, Otunba Oyedapo Idowu Richard, underscored the role of the private sector in economic growth, noting that initiatives like Genspark provide opportunities for networking, investment and business expansion.

In her contribution, the Oyo State Manager of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mrs. Iyabo Ojogbede, reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting small businesses through capacity building, access to finance and policy support.

Earlier In his welcome address, the Convener, Pharm. Abiodun Ajibade, said the summit was designed to bridge gaps in entrepreneurial knowledge and provide mentorship, business insights and networking opportunities for participants.