LAGELU, Oyo State — August 9, 2025 — In a bid to strengthen Oyo State’s agricultural economy and support homegrown industries, Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday night paid a working visit to Nutslink Ltd, a major cashew processing company located in Lagelu Local Government Area.
Governor Makinde toured the facility alongside his team and engaged directly with the CEO, Air Vice Marshal Tunde Awoyoola (retd.), who briefed the governor on the scope of the company’s operations and the pressing challenges hindering growth.
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🔍 Cashew Capital, But Short on Supply?
Despite Oyo State being Nigeria’s second-largest producer of cashew, Nutslink Ltd—the state’s largest cashew processor—faces a serious challenge: inadequate raw materials for year-round production.
“This factory has the capacity to process 10 metric tonnes of cashew daily, yet it struggles to operate consistently due to limited raw supply,” Governor Makinde explained.
In response, the governor pointed to the upcoming wholesale agrifood market being developed in Ijaiye, noting that the market would improve bulk access to produce and help solve the raw material deficit faced by processors like Nutslink.
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🚧 Infrastructure, Financing, and Policy Support on the Agenda
During the dialogue, AVM Awoyoola also raised other challenges such as:
Poor road infrastructure affecting logistics and market access.
Limited access to affordable financing for industrial expansion.
Governor Makinde responded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fixing roads in the area, a task that is reportedly already underway. He also promised to explore financial support mechanisms to assist businesses scaling operations within the state.
“Our goal is simple: we want businesses that invest in Oyo State to thrive,” the governor said. “Because when they succeed, they create jobs and drive inclusive economic growth for our people.”
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🤝 Makinde’s Business-Led Economic Model
Governor Makinde's approach continues to reflect a private-sector-led development agenda, which has placed agribusiness at the core of Oyo State’s economic strategy.
From farmgate improvements to processing infrastructure, the administration has been pushing to reposition Oyo as a top agro-industrial hub in Nigeria. His visit to Nutslink Ltd signals ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between policy and productivity.
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📌 The Bigger Picture
Oyo’s agribusiness potential remains largely untapped, despite fertile land, a robust youth population, and growing private sector interest.
Companies like Nutslink are proving that with targeted support, agriculture can become a driver of industrialisation and export earnings.
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— Stone Reporters Business & Economy Desk
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