The Executive Chairman of Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Alhaji AbdulRahman Olanrewaju Adepoju has assured that the distribution of agricultural inputs by the Oyo State Government to all farmers at the grassroot level will increase food production in the state.
He made the assertions at the flag-off ceremony of the distribution of farm inputs to farmers, a program organised by the Oyo State Agribusiness development Agency (OYSADA) held today at the Council secretariat,
Onireke, Ibadan.
According to the Council Boss, the program is a call to action for farmers to maximize the benefits of the agricultural inputs and contribute to the state’s food security and economic development.
Alh Adepoju acknowledged the present administration under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde in improving the standard of living of the residents of the state especially in the area of Agriculture and security.He highlighted the Oyo State’s strong agricultural potentials stating that no state can compete with Oyo state in farming, this according to him has earned the state respect and recognition among others.
The Executive Chairman further enjoined all the beneficiaries of the farm inputs to utilize them as expected for bountiful harvest within the Council area and the state in general.
While speaking on the purpose of the program, the OYSADA Director General,
Dr Debo Akande reiterated that Engr Makinde administration is making all move in bringing relief to farmers in their farming systems hence the need for the distribution of the farm inputs.He maintained that the agricultural inputs distributed are for farming and not for sale so as to achieve the state’s goal of abundant food production.
He emphasized that the importance of utilizing agricultural inputs
is a way of having bountiful and profitable harvests.
Dr Akande emphasized on the needs for farmers to make judicious use of the opportunity so as to complement the efforts of the Executive Governor in bringing valuable development to the state and the country as a whole.
Earlier in her welcome remarks,the Head of the Local Government Administration, Mrs. Rachael Olabode, expressed gratitude to all attendees, including the farmers, whom she described as “educated farmers.” She expressed optimism that with the distribution of the agricultural inputs, the local government farmers will have ample harvests of food crops and cash crops within three months.She however warned the farmers not to sell the inputs, stressing that doing so negates the purpose of the program and could lead to buying food from foreigners, which would undermine the local economy. She emphasized the importance of utilizing the inputs for farming purposes to achieve food security.
Present at the occasion were the leader of house, Council secretary, SA to Governor on Ibadan Northwest and south west constituency matters, IBNWLG PDP Chairman, Councillors, Supervisory Councillors, Special Assistants. Others were Heads of Departments, Directors from OYSADA,Traditional chiefs and farmers across the nooks crannies of the local government.
