Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to support farmers towards contributing significantly to the economy and enhance their livelihood.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, gave the affirmation during the flag-off ceremony of the distribution of biological inputs, such as fertilisers, to farmers in Ikenne Agricultural Zone, organised by the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), in conjunction with the Zone’s Value Chain Development Firms, AGRIQ Business Services Limited, FishShoal Nigeria and Aquatic Hub Afrique Network, at Obafemi Owode Town Hall , Owode Egba, informing that the exercise was in continuation of the present administration’s efforts at ensuring food security in the state.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Samuel Adeogun, Hon. Owotomo emphasised that the distribution aimed to increase production of food and productivity among farmers, noting that over 30,000 farmers had benefited from various interventions by the state government, to ensure food sufficiency and security.
“Let me assure you that the present administration is not resting on its oars and will continue to focus on the agricultural sector, which is one of the major pillars of the ‘ISEYA’ mantra of this administration. You will soon be hearing of other interventions of the state government, particularly in this sector, to ensure that nobody goes hungry in the state”, he said.
The Commissioner urged youths to engage in agriculture, stressing that mechanisation and technology-driven practices would be promoted to position the state among the leading states in Nigeria.
Remarking, Project Manager, Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), Agric sector, Dr. Oluseyi Olugbire, explained that the project aimed to improve the livelihood and production of small-scale holder farmers in the state, urging them to utilise the support wisely.
On his part, Dr. Ibikunle Onasanya, Managing Director and CEO, AGRIQ Business, emphasised that the inputs would be beneficial and positively impact on farmers’ output, encouraging them to embrace the gesture and use the biological inputs for their intended purposes.
Representing the beneficiaries, Mr. Olaniyi Olowu from Ikenne Local Government Area and Mrs. Temitope Solomon from Sagamu, expressed gratitude to the Dapo Abiodun-led administration for the distribution, towards improving their farming businesses, pledging to efficiently use the support to increase production.
The Local Governments under Ikenne Agricultural Zone include, Obafemi Owode, Sagamu, Remo North and Ikenne.
