BY OLUWATOYIN ADEGOKE
The federal government has supplied farm inputs and tools to Agricultural Extension workers and maize farmers in Ogun State as part of efforts to empower them for better performance.
The Emergency empowerment Programme held at the Abeokuta headquarters of the State Agricultural Development Programme, OGADEP, featured the distribution of early maturing Maize, Fertilizers and Herbicide to the beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, the Project Supervisor, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs Oluwabunmi Erinfolami said the gesture was in fulfilment of government’s promises to alleviate the suffering of farmers and create job opportunities.
She advised the extension workers and farmers to utilize the items judiciously and encourage more farmers to embrace wholesome agricultural practices and the cultivation of improved seeds.
Earlier, the Acting Programme Manager for OGADEP, Mrs Solape Awe had renewed the state government’s readiness to complement the federal government’s efforts to ensure food security.
Mrs Awe gave the assurance that more training and empowerment programmes would be organized for key players in the agricultural sector, especially in the area of storing farm produce.
Some of the beneficiaries drawn from Abeokuta, Ilaro, Ikenne and Ijebu Ode Zones applauded the government for the empowerment and urged the relevant authorities to sustain the gesture.