China in partnership with Federal Government has chosen Iragbiji in Boripe Local Government of Osun State as an agro-business hub for its proposed smart farming industrial estate.
Speaking at the palace of Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi Odundun IV, Chair of China International Business and Development Corporation (CIBDC), Mr. Chang Daniel, said agricultural practice for food production, supply and consumption in human life remains essential.
He linked innovation in agricultural practice, especially as exemplified by mechanised farming system to technology, which, according to him, has taken China away from where it was 40 years ago and revolutionised it into what it is today.
“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. So, we believe Nigeria will be a great country in future, the CIBDC chair said.
President of Nigeria-China Investment Club, Dr. Chidi Ulelu, who led the 12-man delegation to Iragbiji in company of Bola Ojo, a legislative aide in the Senate, said the International Investment and Business Corporation would ensure complete generation of electricity for the host community in addition to a Smart Farming Industrial Estate that would be built in Iragbiji.
Executive Director of ‘Uplifting Youth Through Agriculture’, Princess Afoma Adigwe, member of the delegation, said the community would host the first Pilot Uyota Smart Farming Industrial Estate with ‘Live, Learn and Work’ as model of the Agro-Centre, where youths would be trained in agro-business production, processing, packaging and exportation.
Receiving the team, Olabomi hailed its commitment, as shown by the proposed hub. which will benefit the new federal university of Agriculture, students and public.
Others were Assistant Team Leader, Mrs. Li Feng, Executive Director, Mr. Gibson Ngoka, and Xiang Wenqin.
Also, we have Ye Silin, Pan Dan, Fang Yan, Jiang Yao, Yang Fenglong, and Tian Chungrong.
Oba Olabomi organized a reference-point reception for the team members, where they were entertained with rich cultural exhibition showcasing oral poetry rendition, drumming, masquerade dance, decoration in Yoruba cultural attire, and consumption of local food by the Chinese delegation with a chorus toast to a new development in the community.
At the palace with Aragbiji for the reception were High Chief Eesa of Iragbiji, Muraina Oyelami, Kingmakers and other high-ranking Chiefs, members of Iragbiji Development Association (IDA) led by the national Chairman, Dr. Lateef Raheem, an Aide to Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, Mr. Kaseem Akolawole, the Chief of Staff to Aragbiji, Mr. Olayide Oladiti, and the Spokesperson for the community, Dr. Jimoh Olorede, who was anchor man and director of the programme of the reception.
