The People’s Republic of China has pledged to replicate the agro-industrial reforms that drove its global agricultural revolution in Nigeria within the next five years. This commitment was made by Mr. Chang Daniel, Chairman of the China International Business and Development Corporation (CIBDC), during a strategic business visit to Iragbiji community in Boripe Local Government Area, Osun State.
Speaking during the visit to the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi Odundun IV, Mr. Daniel announced that Iragbiji has been selected as the pilot location for a proposed smart farming industrial estate, a flagship initiative under the new China-Nigeria agro-business collaboration.
Mr. Daniel emphasised that agriculture remains central to food production and national development. He said the upcoming project will focus on mechanised and technology-driven farming systems, which were critical to China’s transformation over the past four decades.
“The innovation that modernised agriculture in China is deeply rooted in technology and industrialisation. That same model will be applied in Iragbiji to uplift Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem,” he stated.
The proposed smart farming estate aims to bolster food production, enhance rural development, and improve agricultural export potential. Stakeholders in the Iragbiji community welcomed the initiative, describing it as a potential game-changer for the region and the country at large.
