The wife of the Osun State Governor, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, has called for more food production in the state to ensure food security for the residents, AMILOADED reports.
The Osun First Lady made the call while speaking at the presentation ceremony of the second phase of Women in Agriculture Scheme in Osogbo, the state capital on Tuesday.
Mrs. Oyetola, who described the agricultural sector as the main pillar for the sustenance of humanity, said there is no time better to embrace farming than now.
She added that the current price of foodstuffs in markets across the country demand large production of foods for the citizens.
The Osun First Lady said, “I am happy we can reach out again to our women who engage in Agriculture with the vital and necessary supports that they need. The ceremony today is the second phase of the IleriOluwa Development Initiative Agricultural Program scheme.
“The Program was designed to assist low-income female farmers periodically with necessary inputs that will enhance their productivity in the farms, increase their yields and ensure food security for their families.
“The agricultural sector has always been the main pillar for the sustenance of humanity. Here in Nigeria, the current food situation has made this more of a need for us. The prices of foodstuffs in our markets demand that we produce more food for our people. The situation has underscored the fact that there is no time better than now to return to the land. We must guarantee food security for our people,” she stated.
Mrs. Oyetola further expressed her appreciation to the current administration in Osun State, saying “I thank the administration of our leader, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for the intensive efforts being devoted to improving agricultural productions on all fronts in this state. It is also gladdening that more and more women are embracing farming, both as vocation and profession.
“As many of you might have known, my only engagement, even now as the First Lady, is farming. I am one of you and this is why women-in-agriculture scheme is one of the key programs of our Foundation, the Ilerioluwa Development Initiative (IOD-Initiative).
“Let me use the opportunity to ask every woman in this state to intensify prayers to God on the issue of insecurity. This is a troubling challenge that has been affecting farming. Although the States and the Federal Government are making great efforts at containing the challenge, our women should complement these efforts with prayers.
“Also, we should enhance our vigilance at our various communities through active participation in the activities of the communities. When we do this, we shall be able to evolve effective strategy to rid our communities of security challenges. Let us renew the spirit of neighborliness that made our people great in the past.”
“My fellow female farmers, I welcome and thank you for the steadfastness you have continued to put into the farming business despite the challenges. Your efforts have continued to contribute to the food chain in this state.
“Our intervention here today is to serve as catalyst for select women who are in great needs in their farming activities. The first phase comprised of assistance with vegetable seeds, training on effective handling of the seeds and a revolving loans program for farm preparation.
“This second phase has expanded envelope of inputs which include vegetables, cassava stems, cashew plants, cocoa, chicks and poultry feeds. Also, the training module has been retained. So, we have brought some experts here who will speak to us on relevant latest methodology at handling some of the inputs to be given out today.
“The loan module has been discontinued because of the poor performance in terms of repayment. We hope to repackage it and refloat it soonest. I urge our beneficiaries to continue to take optimum advantage of this intervention.”
The wife of the governor, therefore, thanked the partners of the program which include Access Bank, Sterling Bank, and Agrik Matas LTD.
She equally expressed her appreciation to the Osun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Adedayo Adewole, for “his words of advice and support”.
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