Oyo state’s Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has garnered praise for his significant aid to genuine farmers spanning all 33 local government areas within the state.
On Monday, farmers from Ogbomoso South, Surulere, and Oriire local government areas received valuable farm inputs directly at their respective local government headquarters.
The extensive distribution of farm inputs was carried out by OYS-Cares in partnership with the World Bank through the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA). This initiative is a testament to Governor Seyi Makinde’s steadfast commitment to supporting farmers adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, ultimately ensuring robust food security across the entire state.
Governor Makinde recently addressed the state, outlining various measures aimed at easing the economic challenges induced by the removal of fuel subsidies. Among these measures are strategic initiatives to bolster food security and enhance transportation networks.
Governor Makinde affirmed, “To guarantee food security, we’re extending our support to an additional 10,000 farmers. This supplement is in addition to the support offered through the World Bank-backed OYS-CARES program.”
Numerous beneficiaries have warmly expressed their gratitude for these thoughtful initiatives. Olusegun Ajao Moses, a maize farmer associated with the Owode Farmers Group in Ogbomoso South, shared, “Governor Makinde’s support is genuinely appreciated by our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks for this invaluable assistance.”
Mrs. Adebowale Florence, a cassava farmer from Oriire local government, echoed her appreciation, stating, “I’m deeply grateful to be among the recipients of 20 bundles of cassava cuttings, 2 bags of NPK fertilizer, and 1 litre of herbicide. This robust support is set to significantly amplify my yield. I take pride in being a farmer under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, thanks to his unswerving backing.”
Mr. Kolawole Adewumi Bamigbola, the state coordinator for Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N-Cares) Result Area 2, disclosed that a total of 90 beneficiaries, categorized into two groups, received substantial farm inputs worth millions of naira. Seventy cassava farmers and 20 maize farmers from Ogbomoso South were among the recipients.
In Surulere local government, seven clusters of cassava farmers benefited, receiving 20 bundles of cassava cuttings, 2 bags of NPK fertilizer, and 1 litre of herbicide, aiding a total of 70 farmers.
Within Oriire local government, a total of 100 farmers spanning 10 groups, including 80 cassava farmers and 20 maize farmers, received these vital inputs to boost their production capacity. The cassava farmers were presented with 20 bundles of cassava cuttings, 2 bags of NPK fertilizer, and 1 litre of herbicide, while the maize farmers obtained 10kg of maize seeds, 2 bags of NPK fertilizer, 1 litre of pre-emergence herbicide, and 1 litre of post-emergence herbicide.
During the distribution, Hon. Oyedokun Oyeniyi Timothy, the Executive Chairman of Ogbomoso South local government, lauded Governor Seyi Makinde’s intervention.
He remarked, “The actions of Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde’s administration in Oyo state proves its commitment to results. These valuable farm inputs, collectively worth millions of naira, underscore his dedication to the welfare of farmers. I urge all beneficiaries to utilize these resources effectively.”
He added, “I’m particularly delighted for the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agriculture Program (YEAP) beneficiaries. Governor Makinde has demonstrated his consideration for you. It’s time for the youth to rise to the occasion, harness these provisions, and contribute to enhancing our state’s food security.”
