The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Oyo State Chapter, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing food security and agribusiness development with the successful hosting of the 2026 Farmers’ Festival, themed “Strategising Towards Achieving Sustainable Food Production.”

The event, which brought together key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including farmers, policymakers, and agribusiness investors, served as a platform to review progress, identify challenges, and map out strategies for sustainable food production in Oyo State and beyond.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of AFAN in Oyo State, Chief Adewumi Abass Adekunle, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for his administration’s continued support for agriculture and farmers across the state. He particularly highlighted the tractorization subsidy initiative of the state government, noting that over 16,000 hectares of farmland were successfully tractorized during the last farming season.

Chief Adekunle, while commending the strides made, urged the state government to intensify its efforts in the current farming season. He appealed for the inclusion of local farmers in the ongoing agricultural hub projects across the state, stressing that such integration would further strengthen productivity and ensure inclusive growth in the sector. He also called on the government to support AFAN Oyo State Chapter with a befitting bus to enhance its operational efficiency.

Speaking on behalf of other state AFAN chairmen, including the Baale Agbe and the AFAN Chairman from Ekiti State, the representatives lauded Governor Makinde’s role in transforming agribusiness in Oyo State. They called on other South-West governors to emulate Oyo State’s agricultural reforms, emphasizing that the region possesses the necessary resources such as fertile land and conducive climate to not only feed Nigeria but also supply food across West Africa. They cautioned against overdependence on other regions for food production.

Representing the Governor at the event, the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) who doubles as the Executive Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Agribusiness and International Coorporation , Dr. Debo Akande, conveyed Governor Makinde’s goodwill message to farmers in the state. In his address, he outlined key achievements of the administration in agribusiness development, particularly the strategic investment in infrastructure aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity.

Dr. Akande highlighted critical road projects such as the Moniya–Iseyin Road, Oyo–Iseyin Road, and Iseyin–Fapote–Ogbomoso Road, noting that these have significantly improved connectivity across agricultural zones, thereby easing the transportation of farm produce within and outside the state.
He further noted that Oyo State currently maintains the highest number of Amotekun personnel in the South-West, coupled with regular collaboration with other security agencies. According to him, this has greatly reduced conflicts between farmers and herders, creating a safer environment for agricultural activities.

On agribusiness investments, Dr. Akande disclosed that no fewer than 16 industries are currently operational at the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, adding that these industries rely heavily on local farmers for raw materials, thereby creating a ready market and boosting rural economies.
He also reiterated that many farmers have benefited from the NG-CARES programme and the tractorisation subsidy initiative. Addressing concerns over financial constraints faced by farmers, he announced that the state government has approved a suspension of loan repayments for beneficiaries of the ARCOS scheme for the years 2026 and 2027, with repayment to resume in 2028. This, he said, is in response to prevailing federal government policies that have impacted farmers’ profitability.

Dr. Akande assured that all requests presented at the festival would be conveyed to Governor Makinde for consideration. He concluded by encouraging farmers to remain steadfast in their efforts, emphasizing that agriculture remains the backbone of the nation’s survival and economic growth.

Notable dignitaries at the event included a representative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, directors from the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, prominent farmer leaders, and traditional authorities, including the Aláwàyé of Ado-Awaye. Farmers from all 33 local government areas of Oyo State were also in attendance, alongside other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.