The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Oyo State to strengthen agricultural value chains through science-driven interventions capable of attracting investment, improving productivity, and accelerating economic growth.

This was disclosed by the Chief Scientist of CGIAR, Sandra Milach, during a visit by a delegation of international agricultural experts to Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, at his private residence, in Ibadan.

The delegation, facilitated by the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr Debo Akande, comprised the Director-General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Simeon Ehui; the deputy Director-General (Research), IITA, Dr. Bernard Vanlauwe; and other senior officials from CGIAR and IITA.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the international research organisations and the Oyo State Government in the areas of agribusiness development, agricultural transformation, food security, and investment promotion.

Speaking with journalists after the closed-door meeting, Sandra Milach said CGIAR remains committed to supporting governments with research-backed solutions capable of transforming agriculture and ensuring sustainable food systems.

According to her, "CGIAR is ready to partner with the Oyo State Government to identify the key challenges and bottlenecks across agricultural value chains and develop science-driven, evidence-based solutions that will attract investment and accelerate agricultural growth in the state."

She explained that meaningful agricultural transformation goes beyond increasing production, stressing that "sustainable progress requires identifying the constraints within the value chain and applying science-based innovations and modern technologies to solve them."

Milach added that CGIAR's global network of scientists and research institutions is prepared to work closely with the state to develop practical solutions that will improve agricultural productivity, strengthen resilience, and enhance food security.

She further noted, "Our goal is to support governments through innovative research, strategic partnerships, and technologies that improve livelihoods while building more sustainable agricultural systems."

Also speaking, the Deputy Director-General (Research) of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Bernard Vanlauwe, reaffirmed the institute's commitment to supporting the state's agricultural development agenda.

He said IITA possesses extensive experience in commodity development, particularly in cocoa and cassava, adding that the institute is eager to deploy its expertise to complement Governor Makinde's vision for agricultural transformation.

According to him, "IITA has significant expertise in cocoa and cassava development, and we are committed to supporting Oyo State's agricultural transformation agenda through research, innovation, and technical collaboration."

Among those present at the meeting was the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal.