Oyo building 10,000mt automated silo

The Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, Prince Oyewole Oyewumi, has explained why the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, is investing in the agriculture sector. He said it was part of the promises of the state government to turn the state to the food basket of the nation, adding that the […]

The Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, Prince Oyewole Oyewumi, has explained why the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, is investing in the agriculture sector.

He said it was part of the promises of the state government to turn the state to the food basket of the nation, adding that the commitment has been yielding results. 

The commissioner, who spoke with our correspondent in Ibadan recently, said the intention of the present administration was to make the state a veritable provider or supplier of agricultural products. 

 Oyewumi stated that the 10,000 metric tonnes of fully mechanised and automated silo that is being built at Awe, Oyo in the state will be the first of its kind in the country. 

He noted that the silo will be completed by August.

He said:”About 12 months ago, the government of Oyo State under the leadership of Senator Abiola Ajimobi, conceived the idea of constructing a silo in the state. The reason for this coming up at this time is because government is focusing a lot of attention on agriculture with the aim of transforming the agricultural landscape in Oyo State.

“There have been massive and intensive efforts in increasing agricultural productivity along the length and breadth of Oyo State. It follows therefore that if there is such a major increase in output, running at over 25 per cent increase per annum, it may be necessary for us to begin to think of other levels within the agricultural value chain. Then, storage becomes very important.

“Oyo State is a major producer of maize and other cereals that will require storage. Based on that, the governor has the foresight of ensuring that by the time harvests begin to come out, there will be sufficient capacity to store, particularly grains for the sake of keeping them long enough for usage all through the year.

“So, what we have there is a 10,000 metric tonnes fully mechanised and automated silo that is being built at Awe via Oyo in Oyo State. As things stand now, we are getting close to completion. The major aspect of it has actually been completed, and that is the delivery of all the components of the silo from China.”

On the measures being put in place to ensure sustainability of the project, even after the tenure of the incumbent administration, Oyewumi said: “This is what informed the nature of contractual agreement that we have with the company that is building the silo. We have a 10-year agreement with them, to maintain and even manage the silo.”