Oyo Govt Reaffirms Commitment To Agricultural Transformation, Food Security
•By KAZEEM OYENIYI
IBADAN – The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to collaborating with key stakeholders in the agricultural sector — including local farmers, cooperative societies, private investors, and development partners — to strengthen the agricultural value chain, promote food safety, and advance sustainable agricultural transformation.
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, made this known on Thursday while representing Governor ‘Seyi Makinde at the 2025 World Food Day Celebration, held at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Barr. Lawal noted that achieving better food systems and a more secure future requires genuine partnership and collaboration among all actors in the agricultural ecosystem.
“Attaining food security demands collective effort. Government alone cannot achieve it; partnership with farmers, cooperatives, and private investors remains essential,” he stated.
In her goodwill message, the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, commended farmers across the state for their resilience and hard work in ensuring that Oyo State and Nigeria remains food-secure.
She assured that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Makinde, will continue to support farmers as part of its drive to ensure sustainable food security and agricultural development.
Welcoming participants earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, lauded the Makinde-led administration for its unwavering commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, inclusion, and innovation in building a food-secure future for the people of Oyo State.
According to him, agriculture under the visionary leadership of Governor Makinde is not just about feeding the population but also about creating jobs, stimulating rural development, and ensuring prosperity for all.
“The theme for this year’s celebration — ‘Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future’ — is not just a slogan but a developmental obligation,” Olaleye said.
“No government can achieve food security alone. The farmer who tills the land, the scientist who innovates, the policymaker who creates an enabling environment, and the consumer who supports local production must all work together to build a resilient food system,” he added.
He emphasised that the future of food depends on the choices made today, which must be guided by cooperation, sustainability, and prosperity.
He said: “As we mark this year’s World Food Day, we celebrate the men and women who work tirelessly in the sun and rain to feed our families. They are the unsung heroes of our economy and custodians of our land.”
In his remarks, the Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Adewumi Abass, appreciated the Oyo State Government for continually celebrating and empowering farmers.
He described Governor Makinde as “a true friend of farmers” and pledged the association’s continued support for the government’s agricultural initiatives.
Highlights of the event included a lecture on the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” delivered by Prof. Abel Ogunwale, Provost, College of Agriculture, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, as well as an exhibition of various agricultural produce and equipment at affordable farm prices.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Peter Ojedokun; Vice Chairman, Hon. Abideen Ogundare; other members of the House Committee on Agriculture; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye; and farmers from the 33 local government areas across the state, among others.
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