Saki – The Food Basket of Oyo State
Nigeria is made up of thirty-six states and each of the states has unique regions with great historical antecedents. One of such regions is Saki, a place in the heart of Oke-Ogun, a town situated in the northern part of Oyo state, Nigeria.
Saki is about 184 kilometers North-West to Ibadan. It is situated in the savanna land with scattered trees. An important stream called “Taba” flows through the town. This stream supplied water to the citizens of Saki before the provision of pipe-borne water, and is still very useful even today.
Saki is the headquarters of Saki West local government, and has a population of over 350,000 inhabitants.
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Saki is referred to as the food basket of Oyo state because of its agricultural activities. Saki has been known for raising cattle and growing yams, cassava, maize, sorghum, beans, shea nuts and okro for subsistence. The indigenes specialize in the exportation of cotton, swamp rice, teak and tobacco.
Saki is also famous for its large-scale production of aluminum cooking pots, known locally as ikoko.
The quiet town is known to come alive on Thursdays with visitors from far and wide thronging the local Sango Market to engage in commercial activities.
History has it that the ancient town was founded by Ogun, the eldest son of Oduduwa.
Originally part of the old Oyo Empire, Saki became a Yoruba refugee settlement after the Muslim Fulani conquerors destroyed the Old Oyo in 1835.
Akinbekun was said to be the first king of Saki. He was the son of Oranmiyan whom Egilolo (daughter of Kisra, the king of Ibaruba) bore to him.
The Okere of Saki is the traditional ruler of the town. The present Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi Oyeniyi, was installed on 18th of December 2019.
Today, Saki has grown to become a home to Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, The Kings Poly, Saki; School of Basic Midwifery, Muslim Hospital; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Baptist Medical Centre; Bapist Medical Centre School of Laboratory, among other things.
Have you ever visited the food basket of Oyo state? Share your experience with us.