By Adebowale Adebukola.
The All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria, Osun Chapter yesterday held her Farmers’ Field Day at the Nelson Mandela’s Freedom Park in Osogbo, the state capital.
The programme was organized by the Osun State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
The main focus of the programme was to tackle the various limitations facing Agriculture in Osun State and to make Agriculture develop to an enviable height in South West.
While delivering his keynote address, the Governor of the State of Osun, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola said that Agriculture is essential for the growth of the economy of the state as it caters for the provision of food, employment opportunities, infrastructural development, and other benefits.
He said, “This sector provides food for the citizens, raws materials for the agro-allied industries and employment of over 70 percent of our economy active population.”
He, therefore, called on all the All Farmers Association in Osun State to make a formidable effort in making Agriculture thrive better than what it used to be and that the state government will partner with them to give Osun Agriculture a rebranded face.
“The practice of Agriculture has always thrived with the government providing the necessary enabling environment for practitioners. Our vision as an Administration is to make Osun the food hub of South West. We will make agriculture profitable and ensure food security as part of our eight-point Agenda designed to wholly transform the Agriculture sector in the state “.
“In line with my campaign promises, the government has embarked on a number of projects to enhance the economic base of farmers and the state.”
Under the partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the State Government has provided 205.5 hectares of land in Ago Owu for the purpose of conducting research and setting up demonstrations farms for best farming practices.”
“To support our farmers, we are ready to go into Public-Private Partnership, (PPP) in the agriculture sector. We will also facilitate the provision of affordable access to farm machinery and equipment for farmers and youths in agriculture.”
The Chairman of the Farmers’ Association Osun Chapter, Alhaji Suleiman Araokanmi in his remarks thanked the government of the state for giving the Farmers full support in developing agriculture for the benefit of all and sundry and promised that they will also do all within their capacity to lift the agricultural sector of the state to an enviable height.
Dignitaries present at the event include the Governor of the State of Osun, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, First Lady, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Benedict Alabi, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, Chief of Staff and Supervisor for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Akindiji Akinola, Coordinating Director, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Bukola Aluko and Royal Fathers across the state.
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