By Lanre Shodimu
The efforts of Oyo State Government on Food Security received commendation as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has commended the Oyo State Government for its proactive approach to agricultural development and stated that it is ready to collaborate with the state in the areas of climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness, and others.
The new Country Representative of FAO, Mr Hussein Gadain, made these remarks during a visit to Oyo State, where he was received by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musbau Babatunde, on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde.
This is as the Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining and strengthening its partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) to enhance agricultural practices and boost food security across the state.
Professor Babatunde, gave the assurance on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde while receiving Mr Gadain at the Secretariat in Ibadan, said the Seyi Makinde administration is committed to harnessing strategic partnerships with international development organisations like the FAO to promote innovation, boost agricultural productivity and achieve sustainable rural development.
He made it known that agriculture remains a key pillar in the state’s economic agenda, adding that collaboration with global bodies would further support farmers with modern techniques, capacity building and access to improved inputs.
The SSG also highlighted various interventions of the state government in the agricultural sector, stressing that Oyo State is open to more technical support and knowledge exchange that would enhance value chains and promote food sufficiency.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, explained that the present administration in the state has made significant progress in the agricultural sector.
Olaleye pointed out key interventions such as the promotion of mechanised farming, including the introduction of a 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy to support farmers, and the distribution of improved seedlings and farm inputs.
He also pointed to the provision of fertilisers at subsidised rates, rehabilitation of rural farm roads, irrigation support programmes, and the strengthening of extension services to reach farmers at the grassroots.
The FAO Country Representative, who commended the Oyo State Government for its proactive approach to agricultural development, expressed readiness to deepen collaboration in areas such as climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness development and food systems transformation.
Dr Gadain further highlighted the contributions of the FAO to agricultural development in Nigeria, including support for smallholder farmers through capacity building, provision of climate-resilient seeds, promotion of sustainable farming practices, pest and disease control interventions, and strengthening of food systems, while noting that the organisation has also been actively involved in supporting farmers with early warning systems, digital agricultural solutions, and resilience-building programmes aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and improving food security nationwide.
