In its ongoing mission to revamp food systems and empower local farmers, the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) has expanded the N-CARES agricultural inputs distribution to six local government areas in Ibadan namely, Ibadan North East, Oluyole, Lagelu, Ibadan North-West, Ibadan South-West and Akinyele. The initiative, part of the broader Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N‑CARES) programme, seeks to tackle skyrocketing input prices and boost food security by providing crucial farm inputs to smallholder farmers. Items distributed include NPK fertilizers, improved maize seeds, soybean seeds, herbicides, and NoduMax legume inoculants. At the distribution centre in Ibadan North East, beneficiaries received NPK fertilizer, improved maize seeds, and herbicides. Dr. Debo Akande, the Director-General of OYSADA, reiterated the vision behind the programme: “We are building more than farms; we are building resilience. Our farmers are the foundation of our food economy. With the right tools, they become entrepreneurs who feed not just their families, but the entire state.” Hon. Ibrahim Akinsola Akintayo, Executive Chairman of Ibadan North East LGA, described the intervention as timely and impactful. “This programme is coming at the right time. Many of our farmers had lost hope due to high prices of farm inputs. This will revive their season.” Akintayo said. Among the beneficiaries, Mrs. Folake Oduola said, “I had almost given up on farming this year. This support has brought hope back to my family.” Mr. Bashir Aluko, a maize and pepper farmer, added, “With this, I won’t need to take a loan. It shows the government hasn’t forgotten us.” Mrs Kehinde Ojebode, also noted, that “This support makes it easier to start afresh as a young farmer without debt.” In Oluyole, under the leadership of Executive Chairman Engr. Akeem Olatunji, farmers received similar input packages. Olatunji in address lauded the state government under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde for the food sufficiency initiative through N-Cares program. “This support will boost maize production and encourage people to return to farming. Oluyole has vast lands, and we’re ready to produce.” Olatunji said. Speaking on behalf of the other beneficiaries Mr. Samuel Ogunyemi said, “It’s been a long time since I felt seen by the government.” “I had seeds but no fertilizer. Now I can maximize my land,” added Adebayo Joseph, another farmer from Alata community said. At Lagelu LGA, chaired by Hon. Kamorudeen Mudasiru, had a large turnout of beneficiaries of over 100 farmers received 50kg of SSP fertilizer, improved maize seeds, soybean fertilizer, herbicides, 10kg soybean seeds, and NoduMax inoculants. Hon. Mudasiru stated, “This is not just input distribution, it’s a revival of Lagelu’s agricultural heritage.” Dele Ayoola, Secretary of the Lagelu Farmers’ Association, stated that, “Without this intervention, most of our members would have cut their farming plans in half.” Young soybean farmer, Mr. Saheed Adedokun, said the inoculants will increase yield through better nitrogen fixation. Mrs. Tawa Adebisi, farming with her husband, said, “With this, we expect to double our harvest.” At Ibadan North-West LGA, the Executive Chairman, Alhaji Ramon Adepoju, praised the initiative, saying, “This is a game-changer for our grassroots farmers. We will continue to support Engr Seyi Makinde and OYSADA’s vision.” Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, High Chief Ifalere Odebunmi Odegbola (Araba of Ibadan land) said, “As a traditional leader and a farmer, I see the value. This will help stabilize food in Ibadan.” Chief Ifaniyi Osuolale Akinpelu (Okun Meri of Ibadan land) also said, “It’s rare to see such a wide-reaching, practical support. It’s appreciated.” Farmers from Eleyele, Dugbe, and Ologuneru all took home bags of fertilizer, improved maize seeds, and herbicides. In Ibadan South-West, chaired by Ambassador Kehinde Adeyemi Akande, distribution was held for farmers in areas such as Ring Road, Oke-Ado, and Challenge. “OYSADA is helping us return dignity to farming. This input support is practical and timely,” Chairman Akande said. Baale Mojeed Tajo, Baale of Odo Ona, speaking for the beneficiaries, noted, that “Many of us have been farming for decades. This is the first time government support is arriving before the rains finish.” Chief Mukaila Sanusi (Baale Agbe) added; “We will see better food prices because of this intervention.” In Akinyele, Hon. Wole Akinleye, Executive Chairman of Akinyele LGA, commended the rollout. He said, “Akinyele remains one of the biggest agrarian zones in Oyo State. This support is an investment in our people’s prosperity.” Among the recipients was Mrs. Funke Adeola, who cultivates cassava, maize, and vegetables. “Before now, I could only manage a few beds. This means I can go big again.” Adeola said. Another beneficiary, Mr Kolawole Aderibigbe said; “With these inputs, I can expand my maize farm and feed my community.” Also present were farmers from Moniya, Ojoo, and Elekuru, who received fertilizers, maize seeds, and herbicides.
