In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun has launched a major initiative to distribute fertilizers to farmers as part of his administration’s effort to combat food scarcity. On Monday, he kicked off the first phase of this program, which aims to distribute 24,000 bags of fertilizer to farmers across the state. Out of the 12,000 farmers set to benefit from this initiative, about 7,000 will receive their fertilizers in this initial phase.
During the launch event held at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun highlighted the growing challenge of food scarcity, both in Ogun State and globally. He pointed out that while the global population continues to rise rapidly, food production has struggled to keep up, leading to higher food prices and shortages.
The governor emphasized that this fertilizer distribution is not just about handing out supplies but is part of a broader commitment to support the agricultural sector. By providing farmers with the necessary resources, the state aims to boost crop production, improve food quality, and ensure a stable food supply for the region and beyond.
Agriculture, according to Governor Abiodun, remains a crucial part of Nigeria’s economy, offering jobs and sustenance to millions. However, he acknowledged the difficulties farmers face, such as fluctuating market prices and the impacts of climate change. With the right support and policies, he believes farmers can play a key role in transforming the agricultural landscape of the nation.
The governor detailed the scope of the fertilizer distribution program, which includes a wide range of farmers, from cassava growers to rice and maize farmers, across all 20 local government areas of Ogun State. He also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration between the state and federal government, which he said is creating new opportunities in agriculture.
Governor Abiodun also highlighted various reforms and initiatives under his administration’s “Building Our Future Together” agenda. These include the allocation of agricultural land to investors and officials, support for women cassava farmers, and empowerment programs for thousands of farmers through various projects.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Bolu Owotomo, in his remarks, noted that the state government has made significant interventions in farming, including providing discounted fertilizer and other inputs to 1,000 farmers. Additionally, 30,000 farmers have been organized into clusters to receive further support.
Finally, Adeoye Kusimo, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria in Ogun State, thanked the government for its efforts and urged his fellow farmers to use the fertilizer responsibly to achieve the best results.
