Yewa North Distributes 11,000 Free Cash Crop Seedlings in Drive to Boost Food Security and Agricultural Growth
Yewa North Distributes 11,000 Free Cash Crop Seedlings in Drive to Boost Food Security and Agricultural Growth
Yewa North Local Government Area in Ogun State has commenced the distribution of 11,000 free cash crop seedlings to small-scale farmers within the council. The seedlings include over 6,000 cashew, 3,000 cocoa, and 2,000 palm trees, part of the local government’s efforts to promote food security for both local consumption and export.
During the flag-off ceremony held at Adokun Royal Hotel Field in Igan-Okoto, Yewa North, Ogun State, the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, emphasized that the initiative aims to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, Governor Abiodun assured that the government remains committed to supporting farmers to boost agricultural productivity.
The governor highlighted the crucial role of traditional farmers, noting they form a significant portion of the nation’s food supply. He also announced the government’s plans to further support farmers by providing assistance in land clearing and distributing 60,000 cash crop seedlings during the next planting season, in collaboration with the local government.
Chairman of Yewa North, Dr. Olusola Akinbode, expressed gratitude to the state government for its contributions to agriculture and food security. He stated that the program is designed to empower small-scale farmers at the grassroots level, encouraging each household in Yewa North to cultivate at least 20 stands of cash crop trees for long-term sustainability.
Prominent figures such as former Ogun State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi; Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Alhaja Yemisi Abass; elder statesmen Pa. Olu Agemo and Alhaji Bisiriyu Popoola; and Otunba of Igan-Okoto, Alhaji Sharafadeen Adeleye, lauded the initiative, describing it as unprecedented and commending Governor Abiodun’s efforts to bolster the state’s agricultural sector.
They also applauded the commencement of the second phase rehabilitation of the Imasai-Igan-Okoto-Ayetoro road, urging for its swift completion.
Beneficiaries, Mr. Femi Deyinola and Mrs. Oluwabunmi Binuyo, expressed their appreciation to the government and local authorities, pledging to utilize the seedlings effectively to promote food security within their community and beyond.
The event included expert sessions on farming, security, and health, featuring contributions from officials such as Mr. Nurudeen Sanusi of Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP), Dr. Smith Ogunsanya, Health Officer for Yewa North, and Divisional Police Officer, Ayetoro.
