AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Chairman, Oorelope Local Government, Raheem Adepoju, has lauded Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for supporting farmers in the state with the distribution of farming tools via the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency under the N-CARES programme.
Raheem, in an interview with journalists at the precinct of the presentation of materials to farmers at the local government council secretariat in Igboho, stated that OYSADA, through the Oyo N-CARES project, distributed farm assets such as knapsack sprayers and kits, and mechanical weeder machines to some farmers in the council.
He said, “Governor Seyi Makinde is really setting the pace for others to emulate. This is what led to his achievement. OYSADA, Oyo N-CARES programme, is not for politicians; it’s purely for Oyo State masses that are real and genuine farmers.
“Oyo State Government is doing this to ameliorate the suffering of our farmers that were affected during the Covid-19 pandemic. I am explaining this to us so that we can be well educated about the whole project so we don’t start misinforming our people about it.
“This intervention programme is purely for the farmers in the state which our local government is not left out. For those of us here that will not be getting anything today, don’t worry. It will soon get to your turn. I am aware that some had benefitted; they collected cassava stems, fertilizer and chemicals all valued at close to N60,000 if not more than per individual. I think they got theirs just before the commencement of this raining season.
“Now, some of us will be receiving mechanical weeder machines, while some of us will be receiving PPE and knapsack sprayers machines. So, if you are not privileged to have your name here today as beneficiary of these items, don’t be upset. It will soon get to your turn; this is a continuous programme and it is well structured for all genuine farmers in the state.”
“For those of us that benefit today, please don’t sell whatever is given to you. It is your property; make good use of it for your betterment and to the betterment of your immediate environment. Government is spending a lot on this project to ensure food security in our state. Help yourself with it by making good use of it. Let’s received it with the spirit of love and kind gesture that the governor has extended to us.
“Here in Oorelope, we are predominantly farmers. Some specialize in cassava production and we have some that are into cash crops. We also have some that are into vegetables, so I’m pleading on behalf of my people for more government intervention, especially on the agribusiness sector.”
Some of the beneficiaries that spoke with journalists commended the state government for the intervention. Shittu Amidat from Igboho, who is into cassava farming lauded the government for the intervention. The farmer, who went home with a mechanical weeder, said, “This will surely make farming easier for me and I can assure you that it will equally enhance my productivity.”
Omotosho Mary, a cassava and maize farmer from Ogunte Ikolaba, Igbeti in Olorunsogo LGA, whose farmland is in Odoile, received two knapsack sprayers machines and kits such as boot, gloves, eye protective glasses. She commended the state government for the intervention, saying, “I had been thinking of buying the sprayer but I didn’t have enough money to do so. I am happy that government has helped me. This will surely go a long way in boosting my farming; I’m so grateful.”
Adeyemi Jacob said, “I’m one of the beneficiaries from Olorunsogo LGA. I’m a YEAP member and the OYSADA N-CARE facilitator for this local government. We appreciate the state governor for this intervention project, we are predominantly farmers in this local government. By the grace of God, we shall deliver by doubling our efforts on the farm. These items will surely help us to double our production.”
No fewer than 60 knapsack sprayers and protective kits were shared among 30 farmers in Olorunsogo Local Government Council Area, Igbeti. Ten farmers received one mechanical weeder each. Forty pieces of knapsack sprayers as well as protective kits were distributed for farmers in Oorelope Local Government Council Area, Igboho.
