The Oyo State Government has launched a comprehensive training program for farmers in rural communities to enhance food security. The program, which selected 62 farmers from various local governments, will provide training in good agricultural practices across different farming enterprises for the next year.
Olasunkanmi Olaleye, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, inaugurated the training at the Oyo State-IITA Youth Incubation Park Centre in Awe. He emphasized that this initiative, a first in the state under Governor Seyi Makinde, aims to reduce unemployment and boost food production. The training will promote good agricultural practices, increase food production, and ensure food security in Oyo State.
Each participant has been allocated two acres of farmland as a demonstration plot and provided with free inputs like maize seeds, cassava stems, and herbicides. Over 200 acres of maize have already been cultivated at the Oyo State-IITA Youth Incubation Park Centre in Awe. The commissioner highlighted that this initiative is expected to ensure food sufficiency in the coming months.
Christianah Abioye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, commended the participants for their cooperation and urged them to take the training seriously, assuring them that the government would provide the necessary materials.
Oni Waheed, IITA Park Manager, expressed excitement about the initiative and acknowledged the government’s support.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Idowu David expressed gratitude to the government and IITA. He promised to make the most of the training and contribute to the agricultural sector’s development in Oyo State. David, the participants’ captain, stated that the program is a significant step toward achieving the Oyo State Government’s agenda to promote agriculture and reduce unemployment, positively impacting the participants’ lives and the state’s overall agricultural sector.
