The Oyo State Government has approved a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at strengthening agriculture, healthcare, security, and economic competitiveness, with a flagship allocation of ₦3,030,292,472 for the establishment of the Cocoa Rejuvenation Project.
The approval was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, issued on Wednesday in Ibadan. He said the project would be executed through a Public-Private Partnership and jointly coordinated by the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
According to him, the state is positioning itself to regain prominence in Nigeria’s cocoa value chain at a time when leading producers such as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire are experiencing disruptions.
“Oyo State ranks fourth among Nigeria’s 18 cocoa-producing states. The government intends to fill the global supply gaps arising from production challenges in neighbouring West African countries,” Oyelade stated.
He explained that the programme, valued at $2,075,547, will be funded across three tranches over the next three years.
Beyond agriculture, the council also aligned itself with the South-West Governors’ call for State Police, describing it as a necessary response to dwindling youth interest in joining the military and the need to domesticate security operations.
The Commissioner highlighted Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent investments in surveillance technology, including the procurement of two aircraft for aerial monitoring, and reiterated the administration’s continued support for Amotekun, which he said remains the best staffed and equipped regional security outfit in the South-West.
In the health sector, the council approved a €50 million loan under the Oyo State Health Care Initiative. The facility, sourced from the French Government, received Federal Ministry of Finance approval on November 10, 2025, nearly three years after the state initiated the process. The State House of Assembly has also endorsed the loan.
Oyelade noted that the funds will support hospital upgrades, new equipment, and other health infrastructure investments across the state.
The council further approved the Oyo State Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Policy, which will enable the state to access financing from the Federal Government, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and other international partners. The WASH framework aims to eliminate open defecation, expand safely managed sanitation coverage, and strengthen community hygiene systems.
Additionally, the council endorsed the establishment of the Oyo State Climate Action Plans and Policies, paving the way for the engagement of a Green Energy Agency. The initiative is backed by a ₦270 million bank guarantee to support implementation.
To enhance the operating environment for businesses, the council also approved the Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan for 2026, a mandatory requirement for participating in the national State Action on Business Enabling Reforms programme. An allocation of ₦400 million was approved to meet the associated implementation costs.
