The People’s Republic of China has partnered with the Federal Republic of Nigeria to establish a smart farming industrial estate in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State.
Speaking at the weekend during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi Odundun IV, the Chairman of China International Business and Development Corporation (CIBDC), Mr Chang Daniel, described agriculture as fundamental to human sustenance, covering food production, distribution, and consumption.
He stressed the transformative power of mechanised agriculture, noting that technological advancement was central to China’s evolution over the last four decades.
“With technology and digitalisation, we plan to replicate China’s industrial reforms here within five years,” Mr Daniel remarked. “There’s a saying in China: when a country develops, its people grow wealthy. We firmly believe Nigeria has a promising future.”
The President of the Nigeria-China Investment Club, Dr Chidi Ulelu, who led a 12-member delegation to Iragbiji, said the proposed investment would include complete electricity generation for the host community, alongside the establishment of the Smart Farming Industrial Estate.
He was accompanied by Hon. Bola Ojo, a Legislative Aide at the Nigerian Senate, and other high-level delegates.
Also addressing the gathering, Ambassador Princess Afoma Adigwe, Executive Director of Uplifting Youth Through Agriculture and a key member of the delegation, confirmed that Iragbiji would be home to the first pilot Uyota Smart Farming Industrial Estate. The initiative will operate under a Live, Learn and Work model, aimed at training and employing young Nigerians in agricultural production, processing, packaging, and export.
Receiving the delegation, Oba Olabomi commended the investors, expressing gratitude for choosing Iragbiji as the host community. He noted that the initiative would complement the newly established Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, and serve the wider public.
“The choice of Iragbiji is a profound honour, and we are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings to our youth and community,” the monarch said.
Other members of the visiting delegation included Assistant Team Leader Mrs Li Feng; Executive Director Mr Gibson Ngoka; and Xiang Wenqin. Others were Ye Silin, Pan Dan, Fang Yan, Jiang Yao, Yang Fenglong, and Tian Chungrong.
Oba Olabomi hosted a vibrant cultural reception for the delegation, featuring traditional oral poetry, drumming, masquerade performances, and displays of Yoruba cultural attire. Guests were also treated to local cuisine, which the Chinese visitors eagerly sampled, capping the event with a ceremonial toast to a promising new era of development for Iragbiji.
Present at the reception were High Chief Eesa of Iragbiji, Muraina Oyelami; kingmakers and senior chiefs; members of the Iragbiji Development Association (IDA) led by National Chairman Dr Lateef Raheem; Mr Kaseem Akolawole, aide to former Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola; the Chief of Staff to the Aragbiji, Mr Olayide Oladiti; and community spokesperson Dr Jimoh Olorede, who served as anchor of the day’s programme.
