In a major move to boost Nigeria’s agricultural sector and strengthen bilateral ties with China, the Federal Government and China International Business and Development Corporation (CIBDC) have agreed to establish a smart agro-industrial estate in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State.
The proposed facility, aimed at revolutionizing mechanized agriculture and youth empowerment, will serve as a pilot hub for smart farming technologies, training, and food production.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi Odundun IV, the Chair of CIBDC, Mr. Chang Daniel, described agriculture as the backbone of sustainable human development. He emphasized the importance of mechanized and digital agriculture in advancing nations, noting how technological reforms transformed China’s agricultural landscape within four decades.
“With technology and digitalisation, we would replicate Chinese industrial reforms in five years in Nigeria. There’s a saying in China that when a country becomes developed, its people become rich. We believe Nigeria will be a great country in the future,” Mr. Daniel said.
The agro-industrial estate, to be powered by a dedicated electricity generation plant, is expected to provide a full ecosystem of farming, processing, packaging, and export facilities. It will also serve as a centre for knowledge transfer and youth training, following a “Live, Learn and Work” model.
Dr. Chidi Ulelu, President of the Nigeria-China Investment Club, who led the 12-man delegation, affirmed that the project would transform Iragbiji into an agro-industrial hotspot. He added that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s push for food security and economic diversification through agriculture.
Also speaking, Princess Afoma Adigwe, Executive Director of ‘Uplifting Youth Through Agriculture’ (UYOTA), confirmed that Iragbiji would host the first-ever UYOTA Smart Farming Industrial Estate. She noted that the model would promote agribusiness education, hands-on training, and export-driven agriculture for Nigerian youth.
In his remarks, Oba Olabomi praised the collaborative effort, saying it would have far-reaching benefits not only for the people of Iragbiji but also for the upcoming Federal University of Agriculture located in the town.
“This is a significant milestone for our community. It will bring development, jobs, and elevate our town to a national and international spotlight,” the monarch said.
The visiting team included high-ranking Chinese delegates and Nigerian stakeholders such as Li Feng, Gibson Ngoka, Xiang Wenqin, Ye Silin, Pan Dan, and Fang Yan. The palace ceremony was rich with Yoruba cultural performances including oral poetry, masquerade dance, and a display of traditional cuisine enjoyed by the Chinese delegation.
Also in attendance were the High Chief Eesa of Iragbiji, Muraina Oyelami; members of the Iragbiji Development Association led by Dr. Lateef Raheem; a representative of Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, Mr. Kaseem Akolawole; and the Chief of Staff to the Aragbiji, Mr. Olayide Oladiti.
Dr. Jimoh Olorede, spokesperson for the community, served as the anchor of the event, reinforcing the historic importance of the partnership.
With the project expected to commence in phases, it underscores China’s growing investment presence in Nigeria’s non-oil sectors and the Federal Government’s renewed drive for agricultural transformation and rural industrialisation.