The government of Ogun State has declared that it is taking steps to guarantee food production in large quantities in order to mitigate the impact of the present increased food costs.
The PUNCH stated that the state commissioner for agriculture and food security, recently revealed this at a retreat for the management of the ministry of agriculture in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The retreat’s theme was “Achieving Agriculture and Food Security in Ogun State: The Place of Public Servants.”
He stated that the existence and general well-being of the country depend on the advancement of sustainable agriculture and food security.
Owotomo claimed that in order to guarantee year-round planting, Ogun has been promoting dry-season farming in accordance with the goals of the Federal Government.
According to him, the state had been able to reach out to 500 farmers within one week with inputs and other materials needed for dry season planting, with support from the Federal Government, development partners and other stakeholders.
Additionally, he gave the citizens assurance about the state government’s willingness to increase the amount of agricultural inputs it produces for the market.
He announced that increased youth involvement in agriculture through mechanised farming improvements was the focus of intense work.
In order to achieve food security in the state, Owotomo urged all parties involved to contribute their fair share.
In his speech on the subject, Prof. Kolawole Adebayo emphasized the necessity of interministerial cooperation, particularly between the departments, agencies, and ministries, in order to ensure the sustainability of the food system.
According to him, leaders need to show that they have the ability and perseverance to change ideas that promote food security and economic sustainability.
The state Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, characterized the retreat as strategic in his keynote speech.
Every stakeholder, he said, would have the chance to assess the current style of operation and re-plan for improved performance in all crucial areas.
He insisted that the ministry’s administration should engage closely with the general public to address issues that the farming community faces.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Samuel Adeogun, stated in his welcoming speech that agriculture was essential to the current administration’s “ISEYA” slogan.
He pointed out that each department’s duties and the measures they plan to take to guarantee delivery need to be carefully examined.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Estimate Officer, Mr. Musibau Elemide, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimitan, cautioned the participants that every choice made needed to align with the state’s overarching agriculture policy objective.
