ICCIMA Calls for Ibolo-Made Products at 2nd AGM

ICCIMA Calls for Ibolo-Made Products at 2nd AGM

Pledges More Opportunities for Members

The Ibolo Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) is set to drive Ibolo land from consumption to production through agro-allied value chains.

This was revealed by the president of ICCIMA, Reverend Paul Olagunju at the 2nd annual general meeting and conference of the chamber held on Saturday, 17 October 2026 at Marpedom Hotel, Erin-Ile Kwara State.

In his welcome address, Reverend Paul said the theme of the conference, ‘Transforming Ibolo land from consumption to production through agro-allied value chain,’ was carefully selected to spur development of the rural economy and create job opportunities and income outside farming.

He therefore tasked members of Ibolo communities to see agriculture beyond subsistence farming but as a business, industry and investment opportunity, moving from being consumers to producers.

According to him, “Our farmers should not only produce cassava, maize, rice, sweet potatoes, vegetables, palm produce, cashew nuts, shea butter and other agricultural commodities. We must also develop the capacity to process, package, brand, store, transport and market these products. That is where real economic value is created.”

He pledges to continue to work toward creating opportunities for the ICCIMA members.

While commending the government for different initiatives, he called on the government to open rural roads to facilitate access of farm products to towns and encourage businesses to set up processing plants closer to sources of raw materials.

Also speaking, ICCIMA Vice President Finance and Ag. M.D Nigerian Security Printing and Minting PLC., Mr. Kareem Olatinwo mni noted that ICCIMA will continue to facilitate support for its members who are passionate about commercial farming for the growth and development of Ibolo land.

Speaking on the theme, the guest speaker, Engr. AbdulFatai Yusuf FNSE noted that Ibolo land is blessed with hardworking people, agricultural land, entrepreneurs, professionals and natural resources capable of transforming Ibolo land from consumption to production through an agro-allied value chain. He tasked ICCIMA to encourage communities to identify commodities and industries to develop comparative advantages.

Engr. Fatai equally proposes that ICCIMA, serving as a bridge between farmers, investors and government should begin to develop the Ibolo Agro-Allied production and processing corridor that will connect farms to aggregation centres, processing hubs, warehouses, and markets.

He further makes a clarion call on ICCIMA and other relevant stakeholders to champion Ibolo-made products such as Ibolo Garri, Ibolo Rice, Ibolo Yam Flour, Ibolo Honey, Ibolo Palm Oil, and Ibolo Sweet Potatoes, among other quality products.

“Our ambition should be simple: produce locally, process locally, add value locally, sell nationally and export globally,” he stated.

Earlier, the National President of NACCIMA, Engr. Jani Ibrahim Mni, OON, represented by National Vice President, Chief Hezekiah Adedeji commended the leadership of ICCIMA for great initiative to transform Ibolo land into a great economic hub through agriculture. He charged ICCIMA members and Ibolo communities at large to leverage the opportunity of ICCIMA to move the Ibolo kingdom forward.

While giving a vote of thanks, the chairman of the AGM planning committee, Mr. Rauf Olabode commended the executive members, guest speaker and invited guests for adding value to the event and making it a success. On her part, ICCIMA consultant and secretary, Mrs. Janet Omisore thanked the royal fathers, the Elerin of Erin Ile and Emir of Yashikira for gracing the event through their representatives.

Present at the event were Chief Chief Micheal Sunday Ojo, Baale Iwoye Erin-Ile representing Kabiesi Elerin of Erin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Adebowale Adesoye, Alhaji Umar Barka Esq., representing HRH, Dr. Alhaji Umaru Saraki Usman, the Emir of Yashikira Kingdom, ICCIMA 2nd Deputy President, Engr. Bashir Lawal FNSE, Chairman Agriculture/Farm Committee, Engr. Dr. Oyeleke Raifu Brown, Mr. Aliyu Joseph Jiya
representing Kwara State Commissioner for Agric and Rural Devt., Alh Muftau Moronfoye representing MD, LNRB, Engr. Olumoroti George Olusola MD LNRBA, Prof. Steven Afolabi representing President, Erin Ile Progressive Union Dr. Kolapo Maruf, Mr. Wole Alawode, among others.