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A double-digit investment in the agricultural sector is needed to transform agriculture, says IITA’s Sanginga
A double-digit investment in the agricultural sector backed by a vibrant rural infrastructural network will help states in Nigeria to accelerate the transformation of agriculture, says Dr Nteranya Sanginga, Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
“No matter our good intentions, we will not see a transformation in agriculture if we continue to invest less than 10 percent of our budget on agriculture,” Dr Sanginga said during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, in Ibadan.
In 2003, African heads of state in Maputo made a commitment to invest at least 10 percent of their annual budgets in agriculture. Sixteen years after the declaration, only a few countries have implemented that declaration.
“One of the countries that has fulfilled the commitment is Ethiopia…Ethiopia is today investing more than 10 percent and that country is witnessing a rapid transformation in agriculture,” Dr Sanginga explained.
Making reference to the Oyo State Agricultural Policy framework, the IITA boss said that Oyo state’s investment in agriculture had nosedived from about 7 percent to 2 percent from 1995 to 2017, adding that the new administration needs to reverse the trend.
On rural infrastructure, Dr Sanginga said the government should pay close attention to rehabilitation of rural roads (feeder roads) to help the transportation of agricultural products from the farm to the markets.
He decried the deterioration of infrastructure in several farm settlements in Oyo state and urged the government to tackle the trend.
Dr Sanginga also called on the government to seek ways to involve the youths in agriculture, stressing that inclusiveness was imperative for sustainability in the agricultural development agenda of the state.
In his response, Governor Makinde commended the IITA DG for the courtesy visit and pledged the commitment of the state to work with IITA to achieve agricultural transformation.
The governor noted that his administration had identified four pillars: education, rural infrastructure, economic development (agriculture), and security to help bring the dividends of democracy to the people of Oyo state.
He noted that for the state to attain economic development, agriculture must be transformed.
“This is because most of our people depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Besides, through agricultural transformation, we will be able to provide the needed jobs for our youths…the jobs we promised during the election campaigns,” he added.
On infrastructure, the governor said work on one of the major agricultural roads (Moniya to Iseyin) would commence soon. On completion, the road would ease the movement of farm produce to the market. He also said that discussions were in top gear with the federal government to rehabilitate the Oyo town-Iseyin road.
On the courtesy visit to the Governor were Drs Kenton Dashiell, IITA Deputy Director General (Partnerships for Delivery); Alfred Dixon, Director for Development & Delivery; Tahirou Abdoulaye, Impact Economist; Godwin Atser, Digital Extension & Advisory Services Specialist; Toyin Oke, Manager, Resource Mobilization, Protocol and External Liaison; Oludamilare Odusanya and Adetola Adenmosun, IITA Youth Agripreneurs.
The meeting with the Governor was facilitated by Debo Akande, Executive Adviser to the Governor onAgribusiness.
The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon and Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, alongside his wife, Olori Olushola Adedoyin Alao, has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of Mrs. Abisola Kola-Daisi, daughter of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi.
In a jointly signed condolence message, the royal couple described the news as heartbreaking, especially coming just five years after the demise of the former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
They extended their sympathies to Mr. Idris Kolapo Kola-Daisi, Abisola’s husband, their children, as well as Chief Kola Daisi and the entire Kola-Daisi family, urging them to find strength in this difficult time.
“This tragic loss has brought sorrow to the hearts of friends, relations, and well-wishers of the esteemed Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families. Bisola’s warm smile brightened the lives of those around her, and she carried herself with grace, nobility, and kindness,” the statement read.
Praying for divine comfort and fortitude for the bereaved families, the Olugbon and Olori noted that though Abisola’s life was brief, it was impactful and meaningful.
“We urge the family to take solace in the remarkable life she lived. A short but impactful life is truly valuable. May Almighty Allah grant her Aljanna Firdaus,” they added.
The royal couple also prayed that God would grant Chief (Mrs.) Ajimobi, her children, and the entire Kola-Daisi family the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mrs Bisola Kola-Daisi, daughter of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, described Bisola’s death as a tragic loss not only to her family but also to the wider Oyo State community.
In a condolence message issued on Thursday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker sympathised with the Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families, praying for divine strength and comfort in their time of grief.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs Bisola Kola-Daisi. My heart goes out to the Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families, especially, our late leader’s widow, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi during this painful period. May God grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” he said.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain urged the late governor’s wife, Chief Florence Ajimobi and other members of the bereaved families to find solace in Bisola’s impactful life. He emphasised that, beyond being the daughter of a respected former governor, she distinguished herself as a businesswoman and philanthropist, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
“Bisola was a woman of substance who made significant contributions to society. Her kindness, dedication, and commitment to excellence will always be remembered,” Oseni added.
The lawmaker also extended his condolences to Bisola’s husband, Mr Idris Kola-Daisi, acknowledging the immense pain he must be experiencing. He prayed for divine strength for him and the entire Kola-Daisi family as they navigate this difficult time.
Oseni further called on the public to keep the bereaved families in their thoughts and prayers. He prayed that Almighty God grants Bisola eternal rest and gives her loved ones the resilience to endure the painful loss.
. prays for progressives
The National Secretary of the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA’23), Barrister Bosun Oladele, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Bisola Kola-Daisi, daughter of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Describing the news as shocking and heartbreaking, Oladele, a former House of Representatives member for Irepo/Oorelope/Olorunsogo Federal Constituency and a former Commissioner for Information, extended his sympathies to the bereaved family, particularly Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, widow of the late governor.
“God, the All-Knowing, is the only one who understands why this happened, and He alone can provide comfort to the family of our late leader and boss, His Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi. I especially pray for strength and solace for Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, in this moment of grief,” he stated.
Oladele also commiserated with the Kola-Daisi family, particularly the deceased’s husband, Kolapo Kola-Daisi, while urging all Progressives in Oyo State to unite in prayers for the bereaved families and the wider political circle.
“I join all Progressives in Oyo State in expressing my heartfelt condolences to the Kola-Daisi and Ajimobi families. I pray for staying strength and divine comfort for all,” he said.
He further prayed against the recurrence of untimely deaths within the Progressives fold in the state, seeking divine intervention to stem the tide.
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