Agricultural Industrialisation Key to African Development – Dr. Debo Akande.
By Adewale Owoade.
The Director General of Oyo State Agricultural Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Debo Akande, has emphasised the importance of tech-driven agriculture and industrialisation in driving economic growth and development in Africa.
He made this assertion at the 18th annual lecture of Splash FM, held in commemoration of the station’s anniversary and the 86th birthday of its founder, Oba Dr. Murtala Adebayo Akande.
Dr. Akande highlighted the paradox of economic growth and poverty reduction in Nigeria, noting that despite periods of economic growth, poverty levels have remained high.
He emphasised the need for Africa to industrialise its agricultural sector to drive economic growth and development. He noted that Oyo State, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, has made significant progress in developing its agribusiness strategy.
“Economic development broadly implies improvement in the overall well-being of a population, the standard of living, quality of life, and progressive changes in the country’s socio-economic structure.
“Our narrative as a nation has been that of one that has struggled with a systematic and consistent economic growth strategy and inability to translate any economic growth that has occurred in history into economic development.
” Poverty reduction, which is one of the primary goals and measurements of economic development, is a major paradox to economic growth in Nigeria.
“The poverty and economic growth paradox in Nigeria is not new. During most of the periods that Nigeria’s economy was growing, the poverty level was also high.
” Between the late 1970s and 1990, Nigeria’s poverty level, which was already 27%, subsequently jumped to 46% in 1996, and it currently stands at 40.1%.
“From Independence, the focus of Nigeria’s government policy shifted from the extraction policy of the colonial era to export-led growth and import-substitution policy for industrialisation.
“Today, Oyo is on the verge of industrializing its agricultural sector. You may say I am biased, but I am speaking the facts, and they say data is sacred. In the last six years, Oyo State has ticked most of the boxes above.
”Oyo State, under the visionary leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde, developed its own agribusiness strategy as far back as 2019,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion Prof. Jide Owoeye stated that the gathering is not just a calendar coincidence but a convergence of excellence.
Prof. Owoeye who also doubles as the Chairman, Governing Council, Lead City University, Ibadan described the event as a two celebrations, one legacy.
“Today, I stand here as Chairman of the Governing Council of Lead City University, chairing this occasion, but I also stand as a grateful citizen of this city because when you tell the story of Ibadan’s modern evolution, you cannot ignore the voice of Splash FM.
“Today, we gather not only to honour a station but to celebrate a symbol, an 86th birthday celebration for Oba Dr. Murtala Adebayo Akande, a monarch, a media visionary, and a beacon of Ibadan’s legacy,” Owoeye stated.
The founder of Splash FM, Oba Dr. Murtala Adebayo Akande, celebrated his 86th birthday during the event.
In his welcome address, that was read by the CEO West Midlands communications, owner of SplashFM & Lagelu FM – Chief Mrs Atinuke Adetunji, expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and colleagues for their support and love.
“It is not every time a man gets to celebrate 86 meaningful years of life, nor is it every day that one sees a dream like Splash FM grow, thrive, and redefine a city’s media culture for 18 vibrant years.
“But what is life, without the people who walk its journey with you? Today, I’m not just celebrating my birthday, I am celebrating you, my dear friends, family, colleagues, and loyal partners.
“I am overwhelmed by the love that surrounds me, by the laughter in this hall, by the kind words that have been spoken, and by the faces that have travelled near and far just to honor me.
”To my friends, Your unwavering support, your constant check-ins, your belief in my person and vision… these are treasures money cannot buy. To my dear family — your love is my compass.
“To the entire team at WestMidlands Communications, past and present, thank you for giving meaning to a vision I once whispered to myself. You’ve turned a single frequency into a household name. You’ve taken radio beyond the studio, you’ve taken it into lives.
“I often say that Splash FM is not just a radio station, it is a voice of values, a companion, a teacher, an entertainer, and most importantly, a torchbearer.
”The fact that it stands today as the first private radio station in Ibadan, and also the first to stream live on Facebook in the city, is not just a testament to innovation — it is proof that dreams, when backed by sincerity and commitment, can rewrite history.
” And today, as I look at all of you, I am reminded again that legacy is not only built in structures — it is built in values.
“I stand before you today not just as a Royal Majesty or a broadcaster, but as a grateful man.Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the honor, the love, the friendship. May Almighty God bless and reward you all abundantly.l,” Oba Akande said
The General Manager of the Splash FM radio station, Mr Tunde Olawuwo said that the annual lecture has established itself as a melting pot of ideas, by spotlighting critical issues, it continues to drive meaningful impact, going beyond our core mission to educate, inform, and entertain.
The annual lecture, themed “Industrialisation of Agriculture for Economic Development,” featured discussions on the importance of agricultural industrialisation in driving economic growth and development.
The event was attended by notable figures. (NAN)