AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) has extended its N-CARES agricultural inputs distribution to six local government areas in Ibadan, providing vital support to smallholder farmers in the face of rising input costs.
The benefiting LGAs include Ibadan North East, Oluyole, Lagelu, Ibadan North-West, Ibadan South-West, and Akinyele. The programme, part of the Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES) initiative, is aimed at improving food security and strengthening the resilience of rural farmers.
Distributed items included NPK fertilizers, improved maize and soybean seeds, herbicides, and NoduMax legume inoculants.
OYSADA Director-General, Dr. Debo Akande, said the intervention was about more than providing farm inputs. “We are building more than farms; we are building resilience. Our farmers are the foundation of our food economy. With the right tools, they become entrepreneurs who feed not just their families, but the entire state,” he stated.
At the distribution centre, farmers received NPK fertilizers, improved maize seeds, and herbicides. Executive Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Akinsola Akintayo, described the gesture as timely. “Many of our farmers had lost hope due to high prices of inputs. This will revive their season,” he said.
Beneficiaries shared similar sentiments. Mrs. Folake Oduola said the support had rekindled her hope for the farming season, while Mr. Bashir Aluko noted it would save him from taking loans. Young farmer Mrs. Kehinde Ojebode added that it would help her start afresh without debt.
Farmers received similar packages under the supervision of Executive Chairman, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, who praised Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to food sufficiency. “This will boost maize production and encourage people to return to farming. Oluyole has vast lands, and we’re ready to produce,” Olatunji said.
Farmer Samuel Ogunyemi said it had been a long time since he felt recognised by the government, while Adebayo Joseph noted the inputs would help him maximise his land.
Over 100 farmers turned out to receive SSP fertilizers, improved maize seeds, soybean seeds, herbicides, and NoduMax inoculants. Executive Chairman, Hon. Kamorudeen Mudasiru, said the programme marked “a revival of Lagelu’s agricultural heritage.”
Farmers’ association secretary, Dele Ayoola, said many members would have scaled down operations without the intervention. Soybean farmer, Mr. Saheed Adedokun, highlighted the benefit of inoculants for nitrogen fixation, while Mrs. Tawa Adebisi predicted a doubled harvest.
Executive Chairman, Alhaji Ramon Adepoju, called the initiative a “game-changer for grassroots farmers.” Traditional leaders, including High Chief Ifalere Odebunmi Odegbola (Araba of Ibadan land) and Chief Ifaniyi Osuolale Akinpelu (Okun Meri of Ibadan land), also commended the government’s effort.
Farmers from Eleyele, Dugbe, and Ologuneru took home fertilizers, maize seeds, and herbicides.
Distribution centres in areas like Ring Road, Oke-Ado, and Challenge were overseen by Executive Chairman, Ambassador Kehinde Adeyemi Akande. “OYSADA is helping us return dignity to farming. This input support is practical and timely,” he said.
Community leader Baale Mojeed Tajo expressed gratitude for the early delivery of inputs, while Chief Mukaila Sanusi (Baale Agbe) predicted better food prices.
Known as one of Oyo’s largest agrarian zones, Akinyele also received inputs under the leadership of Executive Chairman, Hon. Wole Akinleye. “This support is an investment in our people’s prosperity,” he remarked.
Cassava, maize, and vegetable farmer Mrs. Funke Adeola said the package would allow her to expand production, while Mr. Kolawole Aderibigbe said it would help feed his community. Farmers from Moniya, Ojoo, and Elekuru also benefitted.
The N-CARES programme continues to reinforce the state government’s commitment to food sufficiency and rural development, with OYSADA promising further outreach to more communities in the coming weeks.
