As part of ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security in the state, the Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), has commenced the distribution of critical farm inputs to farmers across key local government areas. This intervention is part of the Nigeria Community Action For Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, financed by the WorldBank, state government and coordinated by OYSADA under the leadership of Dr. Debo Akande.
The event, held in Ajaawa, the local government headquarters, welcomed farmers, government officials, and traditional leaders to witness yet another impactful initiative driven by the administration of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, Executive Governor of Oyo State.
The Director of Agriculture in Ogo-Oluwa Local Government warmly received the NG-CARES team and participating farmers, emphasizing the importance of the inputs distribution in enhancing productivity and rural economic development.
Representing the Executive Chairman of Ogo-Oluwa Local Government, the Chief of Staff to the Chairman conveyed his principal’s message, applauding the developmental strides of Governor Seyi Makinde and the Director General of OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande. He noted that the local government chairman is also working to replicate the governor’s and Dr. Akande’s efforts in redefining Agribusiness at the grassroots level. He urged farmers to make judicious use of the distributed inputs and resist the temptation to sell them off.
In his remarks, the State Project Coordinator for NG-CARES, DCN. Olushola Popoola, extended the warm greetings of Governor Makinde and Dr. Akande to the attendees. He explained that the NG-CARES initiative was launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to cushion its economic effects, especially on vulnerable farmers and households. He noted that this is the fifth round of distribution across all 33 Local Government Areas in the State. He particularly highlighted Ogo-Oluwa as one of the major Local Governments in Oyo State known for soybean cultivation and encouraged Farmers to use the inputs appropriately for the success of the planting season.
Mr. Ajao, a crop specialist, took the Farmers through essential agronomic practices required for successful soybean production. He assured them that there were already committed offtakers ready to buy their produce and reiterated that the inputs should not be diverted or sold.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Farmers’ Cooperative Association (FCA) in Ogo-Oluwa, Mr. Dele O. Olawuyi, expressed his deep gratitude to the Oyo State Government, the Director General of OYSADA, the World Bank, the NG-CARES team, the Director of Agriculture in the Local Government, and the Local Facilitator. He appealed for continued support from the government for Farmers, particularly those at the grassroots level, and reinforced the call against selling off the distributed inputs.
The NG-CARES facilitator in Ogo-Oluwa, Mr. Akinpelu Oluwasogo, gave a detailed update on the progress of the programme in the area. He disclosed that 400 farmers have benefited so far since the initiative began, and that this current phase catered to 100 soybean farmers. Inputs distributed during the event included soybean seeds, fertilizer, herbicides, and other vital materials. He appreciated the cooperation of the farmers and extended his heartfelt thanks to the leadership of OYSADA, led by Dr. Debo Akande, as well as to Deacon Popoola and Governor Seyi Makinde for their unwavering support.
The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including representatives of traditional rulers and community leaders. His Royal Majesty, Oba Thompson Adeyeye Alajawa, the Alajawa of Ajaawa, was represented by Chief Ojewuyi Simeon O., the Otun Alajawa. Other prominent guests included Balogun Alajawa, Oyewumi Noah; Mayeloye Agbe of Oyo State, Akinkunmi Adeyanju; Prince Josiah Olayiwola representing Alayede; Adekanmi Adepoju; and the Chairman of AFAN (All Farmers Association of Nigeria) in Ogo-Oluwa Local Government.
Follow us now for more news in Oyo State. Oyo Truth is an independent online news /medium reporting up-to-date events, happenings and activities related to Oyo State, Nigeria.
Leave a Reply