The Ogun State Government has unveiled plans to transform the Ikenne axis into a thriving livestock production enclave in order to unlock the potential of agriculture and promote a sustainable food security for the future.
This development was disclosed by Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, during a facility tour of Master Meats and Agro Production Co. of Nigeria Limited in Ikenne Local Government area and Animal Care in Iperu Remo.
According to Owotomo, ‘’the state government aims to attract more like-minded investors to establish businesses in the area, promote a cluster initiative that would drive growth and development.
” We are here to inform Master Meats that the State Government has decided to turn this area to a livestock enclave so they will not be the only one doing business in this axis. In the next 12 months, the people of Ogun State should look forward to having more of such facilities in this area”.
The Commissioner emphasised that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration was committed to fostering peace and creating a conducive environment for investors to thrive, adding that the Ikenne axis was strategically located, with access to major markets and transportation networks.
He noted that this initiative was expected to boost the local economy, create jobs, and increase food production in the state stressing that Government was actively promoting agricultural development in the state, with initiatives such as this.
Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS) as well as the Ogun State Transformation Economic Project (OGSTEP) which aims to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security and promote economic growth.
At Animal Care, the commissioner expressed government’s readiness to collaborate with the company in capacity building, youth and women empowerment.
Owotomo advised companies to look into backward integration to improve their Production and reduce their reliance on middlemen.
In their separate remarks, the Master Meats Financial Controller (West Africa), Mr. Gbenga Ibitoye and Executive Director, Animal Care, Dr Opeyemi Agbato commended the state government for being proactive by initiating programmes geared towards improving the wellbeing of indigenous companies.
They expressed their readiness to collaborate with government in transforming the agricultural sector and contributing to the state’s economic growth.
