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Makinde  launches IITA-backed STEP programme

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The Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, declared that his administration has set up the state for a massive turnaround in agribusiness, adding that the state was ready to absorb anyone who is ready to invest in large scale agriculture practices and agribusiness.

The governor, who stated this while inaugurating the Start Them Early Programme (STEP), an initiative of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) aimed at promoting interest in Agriculture among secondary school students in Oyo State, added that the programme will be replicated by the state government in all zones of the state.
He said: “We remain steadfast in our resolve to grow our economy through agribusiness. So, let me use this opportunity to once more, call on all who are interested in doing agriculture as a business. We want to hear from you. We want to work with you. Our administration remains open to ideas that will change the perception of our young ones towards agriculture.”
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor, who launched the programme at the Fasola Grammar School, Oyo, expressed pleasure with the initiative, saying “This project is a product of the type of innovative thinking that ensures that young people learn agribusiness in theory and practice right from secondary school.”
He said: “I am pleased to be at this launch of the Start Them Early Programme (STEP).
“In the 80s to early 90s, we had the Young Farmer’s Club in schools. There was also the School to Land Programme in Rivers State.
“These programmes helped to steer the interest of some youths towards agriculture, and I must say that some people who have grown to become farmers today developed their interest in agriculture because of those initiatives.
“So, it is time to borrow a leaf out of the 80s book and bring back this initiative. This pilot programme will expose young minds to careers in agriculture that they never knew existed, and they will be given the needed direction to pursue these careers.
“I am particularly thrilled because they will not only be learning agriculture in the classroom. Positive peer pressure, in the form of social clubs, will be used to reinforce their classroom training, and then, they will get practical entrepreneurial training in the business of agriculture.”
According to Governor Makinde, the introduction of an initiative like STEP, which intends to catch the next generation young in terms of agriculture, is a step in the right direction, adding that it sits well with the focus of his administration to explore agriculture and agriculture value chain to expand the state’s economy.
“One of the challenges that agribusiness is facing is that in most parts of Africa, when we talk about agriculture, the picture that comes to the mind is not a young man sitting in his office looking at a computer. It is an older man or woman, back bent, tilling the soil with a hoe or attacking weeds with a cutlass. And this is why initiatives such as STEP are important.
“So, I am delighted that we are kicking off this programme in Nigeria here at the Fasola Grammar School in Oyo State.
“The truth is, what we set before young people as a goal is what they will pursue. When our parents told us to be doctors, lawyers, engineers and architects, we followed that path. The school system also emphasised those professions. It is now time to diversify. It is time to start teaching our children, the business of agriculture.
“And this ties up nicely with our plans here in Oyo State to leverage on agriculture to grow our economy. We have created the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency. Through this agency, we have recently launched the Youth in Agribusiness Tomatoes Project targeted at youths in Awe in Oyo, Igboora in Ibarapa and Tede in Oke-Ogun zones.
“We are also kick-starting the Farm Estates in Akufo and Eruwa. All of these will open up Oyo State to direct investment, both foreign and local, into agriculture.”
The governor also used the occasion to thank the IITA for its support for the government as well as the laudable STEP project.
“I’m glad that this project which is starting in Fasola Grammar School will be extended to other areas of Oyo State. And that soon, through this project, we will have a new generation of agropreneurs in Oyo State.
“Because even though experts are not agreed on whether or not agriculture is the best catalyst for the growth of the economy, they are agreed that any nation or people that do not have food security will fail on other metrics of nationhood.”
The governor added that his administration would review the state’s 2020 budget to facilitate the possible take-off of the STEP programme in parts of the state within the remaining months of the year.
In his address, the Director-General of IITA, Dr. Nteranya Sanginga, told the gathering that the facility in Fasola will be used to engage a selected number of students and teachers who will be trained on modern agricultural technologies and production.
Dr. Sanginga, in an address delivered on his behalf by Dr. Chrysantus Akem, the Coordinator, Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation Program (TAAT) of the IITA, enjoined the Oyo State government to judiciously utilise the multi-million Naira project for the resuscitation of the state’s agribusiness.
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Rep Oseni Rallies Support for Ikogosi Development Projects, Calls for Resilience, Unity

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The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.

 

Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.

He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.

“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”

 

“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”

Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.

“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.

 

In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.

He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.

 

“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.

“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.

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Bad Roads: ‘Focus on Message, Not Messenger’ – Nigerians Tell Works Minister, Umahi

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The Nigerian Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ignited widespread public reaction following his response to recent criticisms by Engr. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, had accused Umahi of neglecting essential infrastructure needs, alleging that the minister has “no plan for the nation.”

At a committee oversight meeting last Thursday, the lawmaker expressed his frustration over the worsening state of roads across the country.

“You are not here to tell us what we already know in the area of resources,” Oseni stated. “If you are telling us the reason you have failed in fixing our road infrastructure is because of resources, don’t let me take you up on that, because you concentrated your energy as a minister on less priority issues.”

Hon. (Engr.) Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo state

 

In response, Umahi addressed a press briefing at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, dismissing Oseni’s comments.

He remarked that Oseni “had not attained half of what I have achieved in life” and added that he would “not join issues with the lawmaker” out of respect for the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.

Speaking further, the minister suggested that Oseni was representing contractors affected by recent reforms in the Ministry of Works.

“Let me say that I was not physically present at the meeting, nor was my permanent secretary,” Umahi said. “Nobody can talk to me like that in my presence. It’s not possible.”

Public Outcry: Nigerians Demand Accountability

Umahi’s remarks have drawn backlash on social media, where Nigerians urged him to focus on addressing their concerns about deplorable road conditions rather than deflecting criticisms.

Many expressed frustration with the state of federal roads, calling on the minister to prioritize solutions over defensiveness.

“Mr umahi, ur have actually abandoned our existing roads all over Nigeria and focusing on elephants projects”, commented Daniel Morgan. “Travelling from Southwest to Southeast is now by the special grace of God. Please do something and stop criticizing the messenger and look into the massage.”

Charles Anarado added, “No matter how one may look at this matter, Oseni stands on a sound good point that building a new stretch of road for N15trillion that is more than enough to fix all the bad major roads around the country seems indeed to be a misplaced priority. It’s just like parent using the funds meant for paying his children to school to buy a car to take them to school. His decision may seem good but paying school fees should certainly be his priority”.

Calls for Transparency and Priority on Repairs

Other Nigerians joined the conversation, with some social media users demanding more accountability from the minister.

Nnaemeka Mekah voiced frustration over Umahi’s response to criticism, stating, “This short man takes every criticism as a personal attack. Oga minister, MOST NIGERIAN ROADS ARE IMPASSABLE NOW, and you’re doing absolutely nothing about it. Dunno what else you claim to have achieved in life, but as far as Nigerian toads are concerned, you’re a monumental failure”.

Another user, Nanmah Fanto, supported Oseni’s criticisms, commenting, , “The Reps Committee Chairman, was absolutely correct 2 tell Umahi d truth about accountability n Umahi’s lack of given priority 2 existing bad roads, n concentrating on unimportant road construction. I used 2 think Umahi was wise, until that incident I realized that he wasn’t better at all, he’s also thinking of enriching himself at d detriment of fixing our bad roads. Now, I know better, he shouldn’t be given any more funds until he explains how judiciously he spent d #300 billion given to him”.

Meanwhile, Facebook user, Dapo Oyedele suggested a constructive approach, urging Umahi to respond with facts.

“It’s not about joining issues, it’s accountability. The truth is that federal roads are very bad. But your ministry is doing it’s best. The roads are many… Reply the honourable with facts and figures of what has been done in about one and half years and what’s are your plans to improve the situation of the roads as d minister”.

Nationwide Demand for Effective Solutions

Frustration over Nigeria’s roads continued to echo online, with many demanding that Umahi focus on repairing existing infrastructure.

Ogheneovo Peter William, another Facebook user remarked, “I will join issue Because na bitter the lawmaker tell you, Bad roads every, People are suffering from una bad policies, Them people go still suffer bad road”? he questioned.

“It is not about joining the issue with anyone. It is about fixing the existing roads that we have and stop this white elephant project of Lagos calabar costar road”, a user on Facebook, Sunday Adewuyi Adedokun said.

Continuing, Francis Azuka Obukwelu opined on the ‘blue App’, “He should say something about the bad roads in Nigeria”.

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Oseni Donates N10m to Support Ibadan’s Mogaji Ile Eke Project

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The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has made a donation of ten million naira (N10m) towards the Mogajis’ Ile Eke project in Ibadan.

Oseni, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, said the donation is aimed at supporting the Mogajis assembly’s project that holds immense cultural significance for the wider Ibadan community.

According to him, the project will remain a testament to the cultural and historical legacy of Ibadanland as it is expected to preserve the historic relevance of the palace while enhancing its role as a cultural landmark.

In a statement released on Saturday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the lawmaker emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity within traditional institutions.

He highlighted that the project would not only elevate the status of the Mogajis’ assembly but also serve as a central hub for promoting Ibadan’s rich cultural history.

“It is a privilege that I was called to be part of the project. If I fail to support it, the project will still be successful, but I believe I have to contribute. My life is dedicated to serving God Almighty, the people, and humanity,” Oseni said.

He further stated, “As a son of the soil, it is my responsibility to contribute to the growth of our shared heritage – Ibadan and by extension, Oyo state as a whole. The Mogajis’ Ile Eke project symbolises our collective identity and unity as a people. This donation is my modest contribution towards ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots.”

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