OYSADA Continues N-Cares Farm Inputs Distributions••••As YEAP Members, Farmers In Oyo East, West, Surulere, Ogooluwa, Other LGAs Benefit
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
IBADAN – Some members of the Oyo State Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP) sponsored to CSS Farm, Nassarawa state by the state government for agribusiness training who were among of the beneficiaries of the ongoing N-Cares farm inputs distribution have lauded the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for the timely support.
The YEAP Members also commended the Director General of Oyo state Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) DG Dr. Debo Akande over the seamless distribution of inputs given to them and other farmers in their various local government areas.
OYSADA DG at the inception of the exercise in Afijio LGA maintained that the 5th distribution of Oyo N-Cares farm inputs program is under the Nigeria Community Action For Resilience And Economic Stimulus Result Area 2, adopted by the state to assist the vulnerable farmers across all the local government areas of the state.
Dr. Debo Akande who was on ground for monitoring and evaluation of the distribution exercise also sensitized the beneficiaries of the Inputs about the importance of the items given to them.
He noted that the governor’s commitment to farmers welfare is already yielding results as increased farm produces have been recorded in the state.
While speaking on behalf the YEAP beneficiaries shortly after the distribution exercise of the items in Oyo East, on Tuesday, the YEAP coordinator for the local council, Kolade Kehinde expressed his deepest appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, described him as a visionary leader.
He said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde a visionary leader, and he’s like a father to us, he’s someone who sees potentials even where others may not. We are truly grateful for the opportunity given to us, from the very first trip to Nassarawa up until this stage. Today, we’re being given farm inputs to boost our productivity and improve food production in Oyo State. We are indeed thankful.
“We are being given herbicides, seedlings, fertilizers, and other essential inputs. In addition, there’s a mentorship programme in place to guide us on how to apply these inputs effectively for maximum yield.”
While speaking on the rumour that YEAP members have been abandoned after their training at Nassarawa farm, Kehinde said, “I want people to disregard that rumour, the truth is, the governor is working with a clear process. No serious plan can be executed without structure. It’s possible that some people are misinformed or have unrealistic expectations. But to say we were abandoned or not taken care of is simply false. For instance, Right now, we’ve just being contacted by FCMB to receive financial support from the Oyo State Government. They’ve visited our farms, interviewed us, and we’re expecting funding to support our startups.
“Tough I can’t say the exact amount, but I believe it will be substantial amount. The fact that they’ve taken the time to inspect our farms and provide mentorship gives me confidence. I trust our governor.” Kehinde said.
Earlier in his address, the executive chairman of Oyo East local government, Hon Peter Oluokun who was represented by the Secretary to the local government, Chief of Staff, Hon Koforola Musa, Super For Agric, Hon Azeez Yinusa Adewale, Hon Salami Kazeem Ademola, Director for Agric, Mr Ojo Anthony, lauded the Governor over the Oyo N-Cares farm inputs distribution initiative aimed at supporting the vulnerable farmers across the state.
The chairman urged the beneficiaries of the farm Inputs distribution to make good use of the inputs given to them.
The traditional leaders at the event are;
Chief Adekunle Teslim Baale Olori, Chief Adeleke Basir Loogun Alaafin of Oyo, Chief Alaoodi of Oyo, Fatai Ayantunji, Chief Aderintan Liadi, Baale Oja Omo Oba, Chief Lateef Busari Baale Kiyeseni, High Chief David Ademola, Oyediran, Alaguo of Aguo, Oyo, High Samuel Olusegun Odurinde JP, Alajagba Oyo Alaafin, High Chief Fakayode Moses Alowonle Onimeleke of Imeleke Oyo, Chief Jimoh Jelili Iyiola Oluode Ajagba Oyo, High Chief Tijani Ajeigbe, Alapaara of Apaara, Oyo, Chief Mrs Titilayo Odurinde Iyalode Agbe Oyo East, Chief Mrs Afonja Bukola, Otun Iyalode Agbe Oyo East.
While the YEAP beneficiaries are; Lasisi Taofeek, Tajudeen Sakirudeen, Kehinde Busari, Muritala Sodiq, Olaleye Biodun, Muraina Fatai, Kolade Adebayo, Tijani Amidu, Salam Jamiu, Muraina Muritala, Rahamon Rokibat Adenike, Ajibade Idowu, Mufutau Abubakr Kolawole, Okediji Busayo, Adelekan Ibrahim, Olorode Teminioluwa, Adekunle Segun Abraham, Shittu Kabir, Ajibiye Akinloye, Thomas Yemi, among others.
Also in Oyo West, the Executive Chairman of the council, Hon Babatunde Akeem Salami Olukitibi received the OYSADA team and the called for proper usages of the farm inputs distributed to farmers in his local government.
While speaking, Hon Olukitibi said, “Oyo West local government is the most beneficial of Governor Makinde’s agribusiness initiative drive, look at Fashola, we now have close to ten factories there, and I can confidently say this is the first of its kind in Oyo State, and even in Nigeria. I deeply appreciate the Executive Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde for this kind gesture towards the people of Oyo West.
“I want to assure you that our farmers are ready. we cultivate cassava and soybean here in Oyo West, with the support and investment, the Governor have brought here today, I strongly believe we will significantly increase our production. What excites us even more is the availability of ready markets, especially for soybeans. This will not only boost cultivation but also ease access to international markets for our farmers.
“Thank you very much Mr Governor for choosing Oyo West, and may God bless you.” Olukitibi said.
Political heads in Surulere, Atisbo, Ogooluwa local government areas received OYSADA’S N-Cares team, as excited farmers who are beneficiaries of the program hailed Governor Makinde for the support.