In a bid to bolster the agricultural sector and ensure food security across the state, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has taken a significant stride by directing the immediate distribution of essential farm inputs to farmers across all 33 local government areas of the state.
Yesterday, a pivotal step in this endeavor was marked as farmers hailing from the Ogbomoso South, Surulere, and Oriire Local Government Areas of the state received their allocated farm inputs at their respective local government headquarters. This initiative, spearheaded by OYS-Cares in collaboration with the World Bank through the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), stands as a testament to Governor Makinde’s commitment to assisting farmers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with the overarching goal of achieving robust food security throughout the state’s various geographical divisions.
This move comes on the heels of Governor Makinde’s recent state-wide broadcast, wherein he detailed a series of measures aimed at mitigating the economic challenges faced by residents. These challenges stemmed from the removal of the fuel subsidy and encompassed various sectors, including food security and transportation.
Governor Makinde, in his address, emphasized, “To ensure food security in the state, we will be distributing additional farm inputs to 10,000 farmers. This is in addition to the input support being provided under the World Bank assisted OYS-CARES program.”
Upon the distribution, several beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the timely support extended by Governor Makinde. Olusegun Ajao Moses, a maize farmer affiliated with the Owode Farmers Group in Ogbomoso South, shared, “Governor Makinde has done well; we are so grateful. On behalf of our people, we really thank him for this support.”
A cassava farmer from Oriire Local Government, Mrs. Adebowale Florence, expressed her appreciation, stating, “I’m a cassava farmer from Idi-Ayin town, and my farm is also located there. I received 20 bundles of cassava cuttings, 2 bags of NPK fertilizer, and 1 liter of herbicide. This support is substantial and will undoubtedly enhance my production. Engr. Seyi Makinde’s support makes us proud to be farmers under his administration.”
Mr. Kolawole Bamigbola, the state coordinator for Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N-Cares) Result Area 2, outlined that a total of ninety beneficiaries were categorized into two groups: 70 cassava farmers and 20 maize farmers from Ogbomoso South. These beneficiaries are set to receive farm inputs valued at millions of naira.
Bamigbola explained, “Each cassava farmer received 20 bundles of cassava cuttings, 2 bags of NPK fertilizer, and one liter of herbicide. Meanwhile, each group of 20 maize farmers will be provided with 10kg of maize seeds, 2 bags of NPK fertilizer, 1 liter of post-emergence herbicide, and 1 liter of pre-emergence herbicide.”
In Surulere Local Government’s headquarters, Iresa-Adu, a total of seven groups of cassava farmers were represented, with each of the 70 beneficiaries receiving 20 bundles of cassava cuttings, 2 bags of NPK fertilizer, and 1 liter of herbicide. Similarly, in Oriire Local Government, a hundred farmers belonging to 10 groups, including 80 cassava farmers and 20 maize farmers, were granted inputs to augment their productivity.
During the distribution event, the Chairman of Ogbomoso South Local Government, Oyedokun Timothy, praised Governor Makinde for the intervention. He commended the administration’s dedication, saying, “This Engr. Seyi Makinde-led government in Oyo State is one that walks the talk. These farm inputs before us are worth millions of naira, and I urge you all to make optimal use of them.”
Governor Makinde’s resolute commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector is evident through these initiatives, underscoring his administration’s dedication to ensuring long-term food security and the prosperity of local farmers.
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