Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening ties with the European Union following a high-level meeting with Gautier Mignot, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS.
The meeting, held at the governor’s private residence in Ibadan, focused on expanding collaboration in agriculture, education, and efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV), with both parties expressing readiness to deepen existing partnerships.
Making his first official visit to Oyo State, Ambassador Mignot highlighted the state’s strategic importance under the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Strategy, particularly in the area of climate-smart agriculture. He noted that Oyo’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading food-producing states makes it a key destination for EU-backed agricultural investments.
The discussions also explored opportunities within the dairy and cocoa value chains, with a strong emphasis on creating opportunities for young people and women. According to Mignot, youth and women remain central beneficiaries across all EU-supported projects in the state.
The ambassador disclosed that the EU is already collaborating with major international agribusiness firms operating in the region, including FrieslandCampina and Danone, to drive agricultural development and value-chain expansion.
He also described the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) as a critical partner and valuable asset in advancing agricultural innovation and cooperation in the state.
“Oyo State has a very strong food basket of the country and is a priority zone for this sector,” Mignot stated, revealing that several joint agricultural and development initiatives are being planned in the coming months.
The meeting was attended by Prof. Leila Ben-Amor Mathieu, Head of Human Development at the EU Delegation in Nigeria, Dr. Debo Akande, Executive Adviser on Agribusiness and International Cooperation to the Governor, and Rev. Idowu Ogedengbe, Executive Assistant on Administration.
The renewed partnership is expected to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen educational opportunities, promote women’s empowerment, and support sustainable economic development across Oyo State.
