Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Monday, launched the distribution of 24,000 bags of fertilizer to farmers in the state to address the issue of food inflation and insecurity.
Abiodun, during the ceremony in Abeokuta, Ogun State, also inaugurated the State Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria, according to The Punch.
The governor stated that the effort was one of the Federal Government’s people-oriented programs under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which intended to ensure the nation’s food sufficiency and security.
Agriculture, according to Abiodun, continues to be the backbone of the nation’s economy, providing sustenance, livelihood, and job opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
He argued that global food production could not keep up with the expanding population, necessitating the importance for people to engage in agriculture.
He stated that his administration would be more aggressive than previously in addressing food inflation in the state.
He added that his administration had allocated lands to members of the state council, the House of Assembly and the judiciary for operationalising the back-to-farm agenda.
Abiodun charged the group in charge of fertilizer distribution to be transparent.
He said, “12,000 farmers will benefit from this programme. About 7000 farmers will benefit from the first phase, which includes Cassava and Rice Farmers Associations; Agro-Services Corporation Farmers; Agriculture Development Farmers, among others and farmers from the 20 local government areas of the state.
“This should be seen as a viable business venture. This initiative symbolises more than the distribution of fertilizers. 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.”
In his welcome address, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo praised many activities of the Dapo Abiodun administration in the agricultural sector.
He asked beneficiaries to use the fertilizers for the intended purpose.
