The Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) has extended the ongoing fifth phase of the Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES) farm inputs distribution to farmers across Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa North, Iwajowa, and Itesiwaju Local Government Areas of Oyo State. The distribution exercise led by the Director General of OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande aimed at mitigating the economic effects of the hardship ensued from the fuel subsidy removal on smallholder farmers as well as to enhance food production across the state. While addressing the beneficiaries on Friday, the OYSADA DG, Dr Debo Akande reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to fairness and transparency. He said, “This process is guided by principles of transparency, accountability, and orderliness. We are committed to ensuring that only genuine farmers benefit from this programme. “Governor Seyi Makinde has made it clear, there is no room for favouritism or political interference in empowering our rural farmers.” Debo said. At Aiyete, the headquarters of Ibarapa North, the intervention brought a wave of relief as ten verified farmer groups, each consisting of ten members, received NPK fertilizer, cassava stems, and herbicides. The Executive Chairman of Ibarapa North Local Government, Hon. Lateef Akorede Adebare, was represented by the Secretary of the Local Government, Hon. Oyediran Monsuru, who commended the initiative: “What the government is doing through OYSADA is not just support, it is a statement that rural farmers matter.” One of the beneficiaries, Alabi Saminu, a cassava farmer, said. “We were almost giving up because fertilizer and herbicides are now beyond the reach of poor farmers like us. But today, we received help without stress or middlemen. Governor Makinde has shown that he understands our struggles.” Pastor Olayiwola, Chairman of the Farmers Association in Ibarapa North, also remarked, “This is the first time in years that our people are receiving government support directly. We are not just receiving farm inputs, we are receiving encouragement to keep feeding the state.” At the Ibarapa East distribution centre in Eruwa, verified farmers received NPK fertilizer, improved maize seeds, and herbicides. The Executive Chairman, Hon. Arogundade Owolabi, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Olatunji Kazali. “This initiative is a lifeline to many of our farmers who have been struggling with the rising cost of inputs. The transparency and efficiency of OYSADA’s operations under Dr. Debo Akande are commendable.” Ajayi Olakunle, a maize farmer, described the intervention as timely. He said, “When I heard about this programme, I didn’t believe it would reach us. But here I am today with fertilizer and seeds in my hands. It’s not just support, it’s a show of genuine concern.” Another farmer, Segun Ojebola, added, “For years, we’ve heard about government programmes that never get to the real farmers. But this is different. This support got to us directly, no politics, no middlemen.” Also, at Ibarapa Central in Igboora, the distribution was met with enthusiasm. The LGA Chairman, Hon. Sola Adeleke, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Atilola Oyeyemi. “This is what inclusive governance looks like. These inputs are not handouts, they are investments in the future of food security.” He said. The Chairman of the Farmers’ Association in Ibarapa Central, Adeleke Azeez, added: “We farmers are the backbone of this state’s food supply. But today, Governor Makinde has shown that he sees us. With these inputs, many of our members will return to their farms with renewed hope.” Okegbenle Mofoyofolu, a representative of a women-led cooperative, said: “Many of us are single mothers and widows. This support is nothing short of a miracle. The fact that we were included means someone is truly listening to rural voices.” The distribution train also reached Iwere Ile in Iwajowa Local Government, where over 100 farmers received 50kg SSP fertilizer, soybean herbicide, NoduMax legume inoculant for soybeans, and 10kg soybean seeds each. The event was supervised by the Iwajowa Local Government Chairman, Hon. Abiodun Oyewunmi Muritala, who was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Adeola Seyi. Among the beneficiaries were Moriamo Yekini and Akintunde Yusuf, who both expressed deep gratitude for the assistance that came at a critical time in the farming season. Moriamo Yekini, a widow and vegetable farmer, said, “I never thought I would benefit from a government programme like this. With these inputs, I can expand my farm and take better care of my children. This is a huge blessing.” Akintunde Yusuf, a young farmer from Iwere Ile, added, “This support proves that farming is not a forgotten profession. With the rising cost of everything, this is the boost I needed to keep going. I’m grateful to OYSADA and Governor Makinde.” In Itesiwaju LGA, the distribution was held at Otu, where it was overseen by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Ayangade Peter Ayantayo, who represented the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ojo Monsuru Olayemi. Hon. Ayantayo praised the initiative, saying, “This programme is a direct investment in our people. It shows that government can work for everyone, not just the privileged. We are grateful for this timely intervention.” High-profile beneficiaries in the area included the Oniro of Otu, His Royal Highness, Oba Sunday Adepoju, and Chief Julius Ayandele Ayanwunmi. Speaking on behalf of traditional leaders, Oba Adepoju applauded the state government’s grassroots engagement, “For the government to remember us here in the rural communities shows that we are not forgotten. This is the kind of responsive leadership we prayed for.”
