By Bakare Lukman
The Chairman of Okemesi/Ido-Ile Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State, Hon. Ajibade Sunday Owolabi, on Thursday 18th July 2024 empowered hundreds of farmers of his LCDA with various empowerment tools that include Knapsack sprayers and cutlasses to boost farm production in the council.
The council boss stated that his administration, right from inception, has always placed a great premium on the empowerment of farmers to engage and enhance their productivity.
Hon. Ajibade speaking shortly before the distribution of the inputs, said the initiative was part of his administration’s plan to drive food security by supporting farming and enabling farmers to thrive.
He said, “Agriculture is the back-bone of our economy and our farmers are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to feed our nation.
“This is why farmers empowerment is necessary to boost their productivity. Our mission is to support our farmers by providing them with necessary tools and resources to increase their productivity and enhance their contributions to our nations food security.
Hon. Ajibade commended the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for implementing developmental and people-oriented policies since taking office, aimed at delivering the dividends of democracy to the citizens.
The Chairman explained that the Governor has urged all LG/LCDAs in Ekiti State to prioritise agriculture in their programmes to achieve mass production and help reduce the high cost of food items in the country.
He said, “Okemesi/Ido-Ile LCDA under my leadership is empowering peasant farmers to enhance their productivity and contribute to Governor Oyebanji’s food security goals.
“To this end, my administration last year distributed Knapsack Spraying machines, Cutlasses and herbicides to farmers within the LCDA. Also we have embarked on Selling of Maize, Cassava and palm seedlings at subsidized rates.
“Equally, my administration has embarked on raising 6000 Oil Palm seedlings which would be distributed to farmers after maturity.
“Apart from this, we intends to engage in plantation of another round of cassava and maize with tomatoes, Pepper, Okro and Vegetables to boost food production in the Council.
The Chairman urged the farmers to utilize the items judiciously and warned them against selling the materials.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon. Fasakin Kayode Ajayi appreciated the Chairman and his team for the gestures extended to the farmers.
He noted that the empowerment of farmers aligns with the state government’s development agenda.
Hon. Fasakin urged the council’s residents to continue supporting Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration for his developmental efforts in the state.
Alhaji Tajudeen Oladunmoye, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the Chairman and his management team for their accountability, diligence, sincerity of purpose, and for always prioritizing the people’s interests.
He promised that they would make good use of the materials given by the council.