Initiative

IBADAN  –  The Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), under the Director General (DG), Dr. Debo Akande, has commenced the fifth distribution of farm inputs to farmers across the geo-political zones of the state. The farm input distribution aligns with the Nigeria Community Action For Resilience And Economic Stimulus (N-CARES) program, which the state has adopted for the benefit of farmers. The State Project Coordinator (SPC), Mr. Ishola Popoola, who led the OYSADA team on the distribution exercise on Monday at Arowomole, headquarters of Ogbomosho South Local Government, urged farmers to make good use of the inputs. While addressing the farmers on behalf of the OYSADA DG, Popoola stated that Governor Seyi Makinde had mandated the agency to carry out the exercise to assist farmers across the state and increase food production. Farmers in Ogbomosho South were also addressed by Mr. Adeniran Adegboyega Ajani, the Head of Local Government Administration. The Executive Chairman of the local government, Hon. Oyedokun Oyeniyi Timothy, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Sunday Folarin. Others present were Princess Bello Bolanle Adenike (Director of Agriculture), Hon. Adegboyega Stephen (Supervisor for Agriculture), and Mrs. Akanni Olaide (Deputy Director of Agriculture). Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Elder John Oyekale, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogbomosho South Chapter, said: “We really appreciate Governor Makinde for his timely support. I also commend the DG of OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande, for the transparent and orderly manner in which this distribution was carried out.” In Ogbomosho North Local Government, the OYSADA N-Cares distribution team was received by the Executive Chairman, Hon. George Ogunlade, alongside the Secretary of the Local Government, Mrs. Bolanle Olaniyi, and other political officials. In his remarks, Hon. Ogunlade said, “Governor Makinde is doing well for farmers in the state. Just a few weeks ago, some of our farmers were called to Ibadan, where they received farm inputs. Today, we are also witnessing another farm input distribution by OYSADA. Our farmers will go home with smiles on their faces, as they are receiving another round of support.” “So, I’m using this medium to urge you all to continue supporting our government, the Engr. Seyi Makinde-led administration, because to whom much is given, much is expected.” Two local farmers, Mrs. Alice Oyekale (a cassava farmer) and Mr. Alabi Are (a maize and soya beans farmer), also expressed their appreciation. Mrs. Oyekale said, “This support has brought great relief to us. The cost of inputs is very high, and we didn’t expect this kind of help to come so soon. We thank the government for remembering us.” Mr. Are added, “I’m grateful for this intervention. It shows that the government is serious about supporting agriculture. With these inputs, I am hopeful this farming season will be a productive one.” The distribution exercise also took place in Ido Local Government Area, where the OYSADA N-Cares team, led by the State Project Coordinator, Mr. Ishola Popoola, who was represented by Dr. Ayedun Bamikole, reiterated the agency’s commitment to reaching every farming community across the state. The Executive Chairman of Ido Local Government, Hon. Sheriff Adeojo, expressed his gratitude to the governor and OYSADA. He revealed that a total of 40 bags of NPK fertilizer, 100 bags of 50kg maize seeds, and 70 bottles of 1-litre herbicides were distributed to ten groups of farmers. In his words, “This administration is intentional about boosting food production and empowering rural farmers. Ido Local Government is grateful to Governor Makinde and OYSADA for this targeted intervention. We will continue to play our part in supporting agribusiness.” Also present were key local government officials, agricultural supervisors, and community leaders who supported the smooth execution of the exercise. Two beneficiaries from Ido also shared their views. Mr. Razaq Adebayo, a maize farmer from Akufo, said, “These inputs came at the right time. We have been struggling with the high cost of fertilizers and seeds. I thank Governor Makinde for remembering us in Ido. With this support, my yield will definitely improve.” Mr. Olarenwaju Akeem, representing a cooperative group, added, “What we received today may look small to some people, but to us farmers, it is a big relief. OYSADA has done this with fairness and transparency. I sincerely appreciate Dr. Debo Akande and the Governor. They have brought hope back to us.” OYSADA, under Dr Debo Akande leadership has supported over thirteen thousands of smallholder vulnerable farmers in the state and this has reflected in the high volume of crop production in the state in the last three years