By: Simeon Shodimu
In recognition of ongoing efforts to strengthen food production and improve livelihoods in Ogun State, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has honoured the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, for his leadership in repositioning the agricultural sector and advancing food security initiatives.
Feature
The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, has been honoured with a Distinguished Leadership Award by the Ogun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for his contributions toward agricultural development and food security in the state.
The award was presented at the commissioner’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, by an NLC delegation led by the state chairman, Comrade Hameed Benco Ademola.
Receiving the award, Owotomo urged civil servants and residents of the state to embrace agriculture as an alternative source of income and a pathway to improved household nutrition. According to him, agriculture remains one of the most accessible ventures due to its relatively low entry cost and its immense economic and nutritional value.
He noted that the state government has continued to prioritise agricultural transformation through strategic reforms and interventions aimed at boosting productivity and improving the livelihoods of farmers across Ogun State.
The commissioner highlighted the achievements recorded under the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS), revealing that more than 160,000 farmers had already been registered under the initiative. He explained that the programme was designed to enhance planning, support delivery, and monitoring of farmers and agricultural activities within the state.
Owotomo further disclosed that since assuming office, the ministry had focused on four key pillars to drive agricultural development, including improving productivity and optimising state-owned agricultural facilities for greater efficiency and output.
As part of efforts to tackle post-harvest losses, he said the government had intensified the construction of processing facilities and lock-up shops across the state to improve storage, processing, and marketing of farm produce.
According to him, the various agricultural reforms and interventions being implemented by the ministry align with the development agenda of Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, which is focused on stimulating economic growth, achieving food sufficiency, and improving the standard of living of residents.
The recognition by the NLC is seen as a reflection of the growing importance of agriculture in Ogun State’s economic agenda and the government’s commitment to creating sustainable opportunities within the sector.
