The National COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme continues to make meaningful impact in Oyo State as 100 farmers in Ibadan North West Local Government benefitted from the 5th round of input distribution, a key agricultural intervention under the programme.
The distribution exercise was coordinated by the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and overseen by the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Agribusiness and Director General of OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande, who reaffirmed the state’s dedication to supporting smallholder farmers and strengthening food systems through NG-CARES.
Each of the selected farmers received essential cassava production inputs, including 10kg of maize seed, one bag of NPK fertilizer, and two bottles of herbicides—resources targeted at boosting productivity and improving food security across the state.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of Ibadan North West Local Government, Hon. Abdulrahman Olanrewaju Adepoju, praised Governor Seyi Makinde for continuously prioritizing agriculture in his administration’s economic blueprint. He described Dr. Debo Akande as the engine room of Oyo State’s agribusiness revolution, applauding his role in projects such as the Fasola Agribusiness Hub, Eruwa Integrated Hub, Youth Empowerment in Agribusiness Programme (YEAP), and the recently launched Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) located in Ijaiye, Akinyele Local Government.
“This intervention is not only timely but also strategic,” the Chairman said. “Dr. Debo Akande has brought clarity and action to the vision of Governor Makinde, and the farmers of Ibadan North West are direct beneficiaries of that impact today.”
In his remarks, Dr. Akande commended the local government leadership and reaffirmed the goals of NG-CARES, which include cushioning the effects of COVID-19 on livelihoods, increasing farm productivity, and ensuring access to quality inputs for farmers at the grassroots. He urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the inputs, noting that the NG-CARES programme is part of the broader commitment of the Makinde-led administration to reposition agriculture as a vehicle for economic recovery and long-term growth.
He further stated that the success of the programme lies in the dedication of the farmers, and he encouraged them to shun the resale of inputs, while maximizing the opportunity to expand their farms and boost their yields.
Zaynab Taiwo, the programme’s facilitator, explained that the selection process was transparent and guided by NG-CARES protocols. She emphasized that follow-up and monitoring would be carried out to ensure the inputs are properly utilized.
Speaking on behalf of the farming community, Mr. Dikrullahi Akintunde, Chairman of the Farmer Community Association (FCA), thanked the state government for the consistent support to farmers, stressing that initiatives like NG-CARES have helped cushion the effects of rising input prices and climate-related challenges.
The event was well attended by key figures in the local government and political community. Present at the programme were Mrs. Racheal Odebode, Head of Local Government Administration; Hon. Serah Sobowale, Secretary to the Local Government; Alhaji Labule Ishola, Special Adviser to the Governor on Ibadan South West/North West Federal Constituency; Alhaji Lukman Adesina, PDP Chairman for Ibadan North West; Hon. Fatola Kazeem, Chief of Staff to the Local Government Chairman; Chief Ajenifuja Saka, Chairman of AFAN; High Chief Ifalere Odebunmi Odegbola, the Araba of Ibadanland; Chief Ifaniyi Osuolale Akinpelu, the Okunmeri of Ibadanland; and many other stakeholders, community leaders, and youth representatives.
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