Oyo has potential to be nation’s food basket – Commissioner 

The Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, on Thursday, said the state is in a position to be the country’s premier food basket with the state’s vast agricultural potentials and right strategies and investments been put in place by the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Olaleye while addressing an inter-ministerial press briefing at the Governor’s office, Ibadan, to mark the 6th year anniversary of the Makinde-led administration, outlined a vision where the state’s agricultural sector not only met local demands but also contributed significantly to national food security.

He said the ambition of the state to become the food basket of the country is hinged on the ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting production, improving infrastructure and supporting farmers across all communities.

The commissioner disclosed that the state government has implemented transformative programs aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting rural farmers.

Olaleye highlighted several key initiatives that have already been put in place to achieve the goals, stating that the administration of Governor Makinde has created an enabling environment for agricultural growth through strategic investments and policies.

According to him, “The ministry has distributed inputs to farmers, including seeds, fertilizers, and livestock feed, to support agricultural production. Micro-loans have also been provided to smallholder farmers to expand their operations and improve their livelihoods.

“The ministry’s collaborations with development partners have also yielded significant results, with thousands of farmers benefiting from training programs on crop production, value addition, and agribusiness development.

“Overall, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Oyo State has made significant progress in promoting agricultural development and food security in the state. Its comprehensive approach to agricultural development has directly impacted tens of thousands of farmers, positioning Oyo State as a leader in agricultural innovation and food security in Nigeria.”

The Secretary to Oyo State Government (SSG), Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, who flagged-off the inter-ministerial press briefing, said despite the general belief that second term governors usually have less to offer, Governor Makinde has continued to fire on all cylinders in terms of transforming the state, stating that the governor has continued to show that he will continue to work until the last day of his second term in office.

She said, although, the governor is in the best position to give his score card to mark the second year anniversary of his second term in office, it is not out of place to allow Commissioners and head of government Ministries, Department and Agencies to give account of their efforts as holders of the critical positions for the governor.

The Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Media,  Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in his welcome remarks, said the governor had made promises in the Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023-2027, which aimed to take the people of the state from poverty to prosperity, noting that two years into his second term, the media briefing would provide answers to whether the state was closer to achieving this vision.