The distribution, which took place on Tuesday, is part of Oseni’s agricultural empowerment initiative under the Soludero Movement. According to a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the initiative is designed to boost food production and combat the rising cost of food items in the country.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, which drew traditional rulers, party leaders, farmers, and constituents, the lawmaker described the gesture as a “landmark intervention” aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

“This is not merely a fertiliser distribution,” Oseni stated. “It is an empowerment programme designed to enhance productivity, boost food supply, and restore hope to thousands of households.”

He explained that the initiative aims to support farmers as the planting season begins while alleviating the burden posed by high agricultural input costs. The APC chieftain added that the intervention reflects his commitment to grassroots development and food security.

The Soludero Movement, launched shortly after he assumed office, has rolled out several empowerment programmes, including scholarships for over 1,000 students, interest-free loans for market women, and multi-million-naira grants for small business owners.

The lawmaker also unveiled plans to strengthen farmer support systems through the newly established Remi Oseni Soludero Cooperative Societies. The cooperatives, he said, are designed to support farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs in the constituency.

“We are creating sustainable systems that will outlive political tenures and build enduring legacies,” he said, highlighting that the effort goes beyond fertiliser distribution to promoting long-term economic growth.

The Onido of Idoland, Oba Gbolagade Babalola (Gbadewolu I), who was present at the event, commended the lawmaker for the initiative. He urged beneficiaries to use the fertilisers on their farms and not to sell them.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Cassava Association in Ido Local Government, Oladipo Nurudeen, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, praised Oseni for his continued support. Oladipo further noted that fertiliser is a critical input for farming and that the intervention would go a long way in enhancing food security in the area.

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Governor Makinde made this disclosure during a visit to the palace of the Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi, where he met with traditional rulers from Oke Ogun Zone 1, assuring them that his government will continue to do everything possible to develop the state and uplift its people.

According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, Governor Makinde was in Oke Ogun to inspect ongoing works at the headquarters of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Saki.

The governor  who maintained that Oke Ogun is a treasure base for Oyo State, and that his government will treat it as such, highlighted some of the on-going projects aimed at developing the zone in line with the economic expansion agenda of the administration.
According to the governor, the on-going 68-kilometre Moniya-Iseyin Road, the on-going OYSADA Complex construction, the on-going Saki Township Road construction, as well as the location of the 72 Mobile Police Squadron base in Ago-Are, were some of the efforts to develop the zone as a treasure base of the state.

Commenting on the on-going OYSADA Complex, the governor said: “I have inspected the on-going project of OYSADA Headquarters that we brought here. Though they have made some progress, I am still not satisfied. They promised that it will be completed by 10th of December but they said there were challenges with evaluation and release of funds. Now, that is being resolved and I look forward to coming back here by the end of March. I will spend about 10 days; with the whole of government functionaries that will be here with me.”

The governor added that he has already signed an agreement that all the mineral resources in Oke Ogun should be mapped so that the state will be able to extract value for itself and the Oke Ogun region.

The governor equally called on the traditional rulers to continue to support his government, stating that the progress being experienced by the state is an indication of the fact that the traditional rulers and other leaders were doing what they are supposed to do.

He said: “Apart from the fact that I came to greet Kabiyesi and other paramount chiefs that are here seated, I pray that we shall live to see the coming year and shall be a fulfilling one for us.

“I really want to appreciate you for the support you are giving to the current administration in Oyo State. It is your government too. If a state is progressing, it means the rulers at the helm of affairs are practically doing what they are supposed to do. And 2020 in particular has been a very challenging one. We can see that all of us are wearing face masks and observing other guidelines because we are faced with pandemic and economic meltdown. So, it was really tasking. Of course, in our locality here, the issue of banditry is also another issue.

“For instance, Saki shares an international border and it is more of an international issue because we have bandits all the way from Mali that are trying to cross. Once they gain entrance into anywhere they can operate, they will stay there.

“When we inaugurated Amotekun, you gave us your support. When some bandits went to the bush at Kishi, we were able to flush them out with all the efforts of all of us here.
“So, we want to use this opportunity to say thank you to you all.”

Remarking,  the Okere of Saki, appreciated the governor and his entourage, stating that the Makinde administration has done many things to make people happy, especially in Saki.

He said: “On Saki Township Road, we are gradually seeing light at the end of the tunnel. The speed at which the project is being done is commendable. Really speaking, in the Oke Ogun axis of the state, we have so many things to thank Governor Makinde for.

“Many of our people also asked us to thank you concerning the way you handled the LAUTECH divorce issue successfully. We have also heard that you are planning to make it a multi-campus institution. We want to beg you that we need two campuses here in Oke Ogun.

“If you have observed, our axis is the only zone that is backward in Oyo State, which is not supposed to be so. I am saying this because we are blessed with many mineral resources. We just want someone that can support us a little bit. And who will? It is actually the government.”

The meeting had in attendance the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; the chairman of the Oyo State Advisory Council, Senator Hosea Agboola; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Alhaji Siju Lawal.
Others were the Director-General of OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande; the Director-General, Due Process, Ms. Tara Adefope; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Hon. Kunle Yusuff; full-time Commissioner in the Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Oyesina Oyedeji, among others.

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The governor stated this on Monday during an on-the-spot inspection tour of the Farm Settlement as well as the inspection of Kartlos Farms Limited, located inside the Akufo Farm settlement.

According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted Governor Makinde as stating that his administration is working round the clock to make commercial agriculture the backbone of the state’s economy by upgrading some farm settlements in the state to Agricultural Estates.

The governor said: “Agriculture is where we think we have comparative advantage and we are looking at agro-processing to expand our economy. This place used to be a farm settlement but we are upgrading it to a farm estate.

“People are already there, so we came to find out, first hand, what is really going on here and how things can be done meaningfully in a way that it can drive the economic expansion agenda of our government.”

Governor Makinde stated that the state government was ready to partner private sector to expand the economy of the state in line with one of the four cardinal points of his government’s service agenda.

He also stated that his administration will incorporate other stakeholders to harness the benefits for the local market and export.

He explained that a private farm has been using the facility in Akufo Farm Settlement to produce tomato and pepper through a greenhouse farming approach.

The governor, who expressed delight at how Oyo State has been designated as one of the beneficiaries of the African Development Bank (AfDB) agro-processing zone projects, said the development would be leveraged upon to fulfil local demand.

He said: “Oyo State has also been designated as one of the beneficiaries of the African Development Bank agro-processing zone projects. So, we will first look at how we can fulfil the local demand. After that, we will also look at processing for export.

“So, I am super-excited about the possibilities in this place.”

Speaking earlier, the Executive Adviser to the governor on Agribusiness, Dr. Debo Akande, said that the trip was aimed at conducting a field assessment of the current state of the Akufo Farm Settlement before the commencement of the development and upgrade to an agricultural estate.

He added that the state government decided to visit the farm to see its natural state before the commencement of the developmental projects.

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He equally declared that his administration has kick-started the process of making the state investment-friendly.

Governor Makinde, who made this known while on an inspection tour of a private farm, Agrited Nigeria Limited, Fiditi, Oyo, added that efforts to turn Oyo State into an industrial destination in order for businesses to thrive were already in top gear.

According to him, the present administration would continue to assist investors with a view to expanding the state’s economy.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that his government places a premium on the promotion of agribusiness and would always create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He said: “What the government can do is to create enabling environment. These are private people and I strongly believe we should support them to do more. Government should not be running businesses; and we are in the process of strategically turning over the businesses we have as a government to private people, in a most transparent manner, so that they can run it efficiently.

“This company is preparing to start operations and you can also see this is going to have a very huge impact as far as the economy of Oyo State is concerned. This is also because, as an administration, we promised that we were going to expand our economy exploiting and exploring areas of comparative advantage;  and agriculture is one of them.

“So, when I see this kind of project coming o fruition, I become excited. Jobs are being created; suppliers will soon be flocking into this place. And we have inquired from them the type of support they would need from government.”

The governor assured would-be investors in the state to put their minds to rest about the chances of their businesses succeeding in the state, adding that the state has put in place the right security architecture and systems that will guarantee ease of doing business.

Earlier, the Deputy General Manager  Operation, Moty Ganon, appreciated the governor for deeming it fit to visit the farm, even as he sought for the assistance of the government towards the uplift of the farm.

He assured that the company would partner with the state government to promote agriculture in the state, so as to expand its economy.

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Speaking during the meeting with the minister, the National President of AWDROP, Engr. Michael Ale lauded the federal government through the ministry for their involvement in underground water exploration, when their main mandate is to grow agricultural products for the country.

According to him, this is necessary because agriculture takes 70% of our fresh
water out of which over 80% of the fresh water are from the Groundwater”.

He said: “Major subsistence and commercial Agricultural practices takes place in
the Rural area which makes Rural Development key in Sustainable Agricultural
practices.  There can’t be sustained Agriculture production without Groundwater.

“We are aware of the effect of climate change on our world, which had resulted
into many vices and research on climate friendly agricultural practices. Which
ever way we may decide, groundwater is key in sustained Agriculture practice, especially in Africa where it takes years to adapt to new innovation and technology and we are critics to change within the ecosystem.

“Nigerian farmers still find it difficult to practice all seasons farming, which makes some product out of reach during the dry season, whereas all fruit, grains, vegetables, tubers or fibers are produced all seasons in the developed world. This effect has been made possible through the effective management of groundwater
especially in the developed world. AWDROP has great expertise and potential in the development and management of this great resources and is excited with the current partnership with the FMARD through the ARUWASSI Program.

“This program has gained traction in the international groundwater fora and has
received so much attention. One of such is the presentation which will be made
in Uganda during the Africa Water Week by Africa Water Association. Honourable
Minister Sir, it will be our pleasure to request that two of your mid level officer
from the water division of the DRD be sponsored to this event which is in two
weeks”, Ale added.

Ale, while speaking on the  benefits of ARUWASSI to promote desirable development in rural farming, extended his deepest appreciation to President Muhammadu
Buhari for deeming it fit to have a separate budgetary allocation line for the support to Master Drillers after association’s pleas for support.

He also commended the National Assembly for their well thought decision to approve it saying the borehole drillers’ desire is to make it a win-win partnership deal between the players.

The AWDROP president,  therefore enjoined the minister to help strengthen the ARUWASSI Program under the support to Master Drillers budgetary allocation, such that many more programs that will attract donors’ funding will be developed under the initiative.

He also requested that the ministry in partnership with AWDROP should do more
on promoting water for Agriculture and Rural livelihood considering the amount of
infrastructure investment under ARUWASSI program among other requests to enhance the partnership.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Minister appreciated the visit by the National Executive of AWDROP and promised to hold them responsible for the management of the Drilling Rigs.

He also reiterated on the need to Integrate the ARUWASSI Rural Water program
with state governments to enhance better partnership and collaboration.

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The Doctorate of Science was awarded by the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Nigeria, on Tuesday, in honor of Adesina’s work in agriculture and food security across the continent.

Lauding the choice of Adesina as the institution’s 2020 awardee, the Chancellor, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu, described him as a global household name whose exploits in promoting value chain addition in agricultural produce have remained unparalleled.

In his acceptance speech, Adesina commended the Nigerian government’s efforts to promote agriculture and agribusiness in Nigeria.

“Agriculture is the most important profession and business in the world,” Adesina said.

The Bank head pledged to continue the work of transforming Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

“The size of food and agriculture in Africa will rise to $1 trillion by 2030. The population of Africa, now at 1.2 billion, will double to 2.5 billion by 2050. They all must eat. And only through food and agribusiness can this be achieved,” he added.

Adesina said the African Development Bank was spearheading efforts to feed Africa and was investing $25 billion over a ten-year period to transform the continent’s agriculture sector. What Africa does with food will determine the future of food, given that 65% of the arable land left to feed the world is here, Adesina said.

“I am delighted to see so many of our young people engaged in agriculture arising from the Youth Employment in Agriculture initiative launched when I was minister to get the youth into agriculture as a business.  From their innovations in the use of drones, food processing, packaging, transport and logistics and marketing, they are already unlocking the opportunities in agriculture,” he said.

He urged agricultural universities to optimize their role in linking research, innovations and technologies to farmers and the food and agriculture industry.

“Africa’s youth must become leaders to help feed our world,” he advised.

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The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development. Hon Ojemuyiwa Ojekunle made the assertion during the annual celebration of world food day during the weekend at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan organized by Oyo state Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Ojekunle disclosed that in order to ensure food security, alleviate poverty and create job employment in the State, the government has put all machinery in place for several innovative programs, such as capacity building, empowerment, rehabilitation of rural roads and creation of access to credit facilities.

“There is no need repeating the fact that hunger is reigning especially among the common people and overtime we have seen figures of people under the poverty net but the present administration in the State came in with the resolve to banish poverty and hunger through the use of commercialized agriculture that will engage youths and put food on the table of the average citizen.

“You must have seen the strides since the administration started, all efforts have been geared towards securing lives and property of our people, create enabling environment for small-scale businesses as well as big time investors to thrive while our youths will be gainfully employed.

“Among other areas of interest, agriculture is the most viable and we are working hard to harness the potentials for these benefits as we are all going to benefit from it, this government is not for the wealthy but for all, that is why the governor insists on people-oriented policies that will benefit not just the common man, but all strata of the society,” he assured.

He stated further that the plan of the present administration was to industrialize Oyo State into a leading commercial hub through agricultural revolution stressing that potentials and opportunities in opening up around the State to the rest of world in terms of investment in the agricultural sector was limitless.

The Commissioner appealed to farmers in the State to brace up and increase their production because financial facility that would enable farmers meet government expectations has been put in place, enjoining all farmers and stakeholders to reciprocate the commitment of the present administration by keying into the economic recovery plan of the government in order to attain a zero hunger society with boundless employment opportunities.

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The partners launched the new Leadership for Agriculture (L4AG) Forum on 2^nd September 2019, during the African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF).

Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, who delivered the keynote address told attendees the platform was an important tool for learning lessons from each other, “but most importantly, to help move us to a more dynamic agriculture.”

“Countries spend so much money on food subsidy programs and would like to see better yields. At the end of the day, we would like to have a clear program to address agriculture efficiently and sustainably,” said Dr. Martin Fregene, African Development Bank Director for Agriculture and Agro-Industry.

“Agriculture has to be private sector led, and it is expected to reach $1 trillion dollars…therefore the government should reduce investment risks and improve management of policy environment to ensure that agriculture thrives,” Fregene added.

This year’s AGRF brought together more than 2,000 policy, decision makers and technocrats from Africa’s agricultural sector.

The L4AG Forum is a unique platform for public and private sector leaders to interact learn from each other and strategize on how to overcome challenges hampering agricultural and economic growth on the continent.

The new L4AG will seek commitment on solutions. As such, future forums will be tailor-made to directly respond to demand by countries – focusing on what countries are really struggling with to implement effectively and get desired results.

During a series of presentations and roundtable discussions, participants shared experiences challenges and opportunities in various ICT-led agricultural subsidy distribution programs as well as lessons learned in implementing programs proven to increase crop yields, farm productivity and incomes for farmers.

Nick Austin, Director of Agricultural Development with the Global Development Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said the organization is committed to supporting governments create an enabling environment to develop broad-based agricultural plans, despite the challenges posed by planning  and monitoring.

He said: “The needs and priority of countries can vary but we can learn from one another and avoid mistakes of the past. We need to seek insights, find solutions, understand what works, looking for a module for success and avoid the usual pitfalls.”

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The youth program of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has won the 2019 International Innovation Award for sustainable food and Agriculture.

The award is in recognition of IITA’s commitment to improving both agribusiness opportunities and creditworthiness of youth across Africa.

The award which is the first of its kind and funded by the Government of Switzerland, was presented during the  41^st  conference of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) at its Headquarters in Rome—an event that was attended by high-level government representatives across the globe on June 26, 2019.

FAO Director General, José Graziano da Silva  said, “My congratulations to all of you. Your work is an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for your contribution.”

He added, “It is very important to showcase positive results and concrete ways in which we can work together.”

The award which  was in two categories; category A, ‘award for excellence and digitization and innovation for sustainable food systems’, and category B ‘International innovation award  for sustainable food and agriculture’,   reflects the important role of innovation for the future of sustainable food and agriculture and the improvement of food security and nutrition for all, particularly in the face of increased environmental challenges, in accordance with the United Nations decade of family farming (which runs through the years 2019-2028), and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Receiving the category B award on behalf of IYA, Evelyn Ohanwusi the Head of IITA Youth Agripreneurs (IYA), appreciated the organizers and sponsors of the award saying; “IITA Youth Agripreneurs (IYA) is grateful to have been recognized as an innovation that empowers youth in agriculture and food systems and chosen among other qualified nominees. We sincerely appreciate the Government of Switzerland and the Food and Agriculture Organization for contributing to our success story.”

She dedicated the award to young people involved in agricultural transformation, and  urged them to keep working hard towards resolving the problems of food insecurity and unemployment in Africa.

“This award is dedicated to all youths in the agriculture and food systems across the world especially in Africa. We have started the revolution and yes, we can achieve more!” she added.

The IITA Youth Agripreneur Program is a youth in agribusiness initiative that was established in 2012, by the Director General of the IITA, Dr. Nteranya Sanginga, to address the issue of widespread youth unemployment, and to provide a platform that propels young people towards self-employment in agriculture. The program started in Ibadan, Oyo state Nigeria and has expanded into 13 groups with over 385 members operating 36 learning-by-doing enterprises in about 10 African countries including; Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan, Madagascar, and Togo.

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