“Awowo is the food basket of Lagos Road” – Oba Abdulgafar Olasunkanmi
By Lanre Shodimu
FARMLIFE MAGAZINE recently had the privilege of visiting the farm site at the palace of the Alawowo of Awowo, Oba Abdulgafar Olasunkanmi. Located in the heart of Awowo, the palace is not only a seat of traditional authority but also a hub of agricultural innovation. Upon arrival, we were impressed to see the traditional ruler working alongside some of his staff at his fish farm.
We took the opportunity to engage Oba Abdulgafar Olasunkanmi on his farming activities, discussing the prospects and challenges he faces. When asked about his motivation for venturing into farming, he explained that it was driven by “the need to quench hunger in the country through farming and be able to feed my family from the little I am doing.” This sentiment reflects his commitment to using agriculture as a means to improve food security and support his community.
According to Oba Abdulgafar Olasunkanmi, farming activities have had a significant impact on the lives of the Awowo community. He proudly stated that Awowo is indeed the food basket of the Lagos road, supplying various agricultural products to surrounding areas. “If we close our roads, there will be protests because cassava to Waasimi, Arigbaji, Ifo, and Lafenwa is from Awowo. Likewise, water cassava, watermelon, cucumber, pepper, and many more are from Awowo.” He emphasized that the community’s agricultural prowess is not limited to these crops, as they have a diverse range of farm enterprises.
The Oba highlighted the government’s involvement in agricultural activities, noting that they have acquired 7 hectares of land for agricultural purposes. This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and promoting agricultural development in the area. Oba Abdulgafar Olasunkanmi also mentioned that they have various farm enterprises, including soilless farming, which showcases their innovative approach to agriculture.
When discussing the challenges faced by farmers in the community, Oba Abdulgafar Olasunkanmi expressed the need for government support. “Aside from the government’s acquisition of land for farming purposes in the community, the government needs to encourage our farmers. Although the government is doing its best, they still need to put in more efforts by encouraging us more.” He specifically mentioned the need for support for indoor farming, which requires specialized care and resources.
The Oba also highlighted the existence of government intervention funds aimed at boosting farming activities. In his view, the government can play a crucial role in empowering farmers by providing them with the necessary support and resources. He stated that they have been able to participate in some of these programs, but they would do better if they had more opportunities to access these resources.
During our visit, we had the opportunity to see the demonstration farm at the palace’s indoor farm. The Oba explained that this initiative was part of a tobacco agricultural intervention, with soilless farming being used to grow a variety of crops, including tomatoes, pepper, and other crops. He also showcased the diverse agricultural activities taking place on the farm, including yam cultivation, piggery, goat rearing, and chicken farming.
Oba Abdulgafar Olasunkanmi explained the purpose of the demonstration farm, stating that it is “to know how well we can manage farm enterprises before committing more of their investments into it.” He expressed satisfaction with the progress they have made so far, highlighting their ability to manage the farm effectively.
When asked about the steps to take for someone interested in investing in agricultural enterprise in the community, the Oba provided clear guidance. “The first step to be taken is to approach the government for land acquisition. We also have our own cooperative, the Awowo Agricultural Cooperative, and they allocate lands to us. So, we can also allocate lands to people who intend to embark on agriculture.” This process highlights the importance of collaboration between the government, cooperatives, and individual farmers in promoting agricultural development.
As Farmlife Magazine’s personality of the month, Oba Abdulgafar Olasunkanmi shared his experiences and challenges as a farmer. He is involved in various agricultural activities, including piggery, goat rearing, chicken farming, and fish farming. Unfortunately, he recently suffered a significant loss of about 700 fish due to procured adulterated feeds, which he believes is preventable. This incident underscores the need for government support and regulation to ensure the quality of agricultural inputs.
Despite these challenges, Oba Abdulgafar Olasunkanmi remains optimistic about the potential of agriculture to transform the community. He reiterated the need for government support to help farmers overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. As a leader and a farmer, he is committed to promoting agricultural development in Awowo and serving as a role model for others.
