Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Monday, launched the distribution of 24,000 bags of fertiliser to farmers across the state as part of efforts to tackle food inflation and insufficiency.
Speaking at the event held at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, Abiodun also inaugurated the State Committee in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The governor noted that this initiative is one of the federal government’s people-oriented programmes under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aimed at achieving food sufficiency and security for the nation.
He emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, providing sustenance, livelihoods, and job opportunities to millions of Nigerians.
Abiodun pointed out that global food production is not keeping pace with the growing population, making it essential for more people to engage in farming.
At the event, which was attended by the Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Olanite, and various farmers’ groups and associations, including the All Farmers Association of Nigeria and Growers Association of Nigeria, Abiodun stated that his administration would intensify efforts to combat food inflation in the state.
He also mentioned that his administration had allocated land to members of the State Council, the House of Assembly, and the Judiciary to promote the back-to-farm agenda.
Abiodun urged the committee responsible for distributing the fertilisers to ensure transparency.
“12,000 farmers will benefit from this programme. About 7,000 farmers will benefit from the first phase, which includes the Cassava and Rice Farmers Associations; Agro-Services Corporation Farmers; Agric Development Farmers; among others, from the 20 local government areas of the State.
“This should be seen as a viable business venture. This initiative symbolizes more than the distribution of fertilisers. It represents our collective resolve to support the agricultural sector and ensure our farmers have the resources they need to cultivate their lands effectively and efficiently,” the governor added.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, in his welcome address, praised the various initiatives of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration in the agricultural sector.
He also urged the beneficiaries to use the fertilisers wisely for the intended purpose.
