The Engineer Seyi Makinde-led government in Oyo State has joined the rest of the world to celebrate the annual World Food Day.
The state Governor, Engr Makinde through the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Ojemuyiwa Ojekunle used the occasion to assure the people of the state of food sustenance and abundance of farm produce.
The Commissioner disclosed that to combat hunger, poverty, malnutrition and degradation of natural resources, necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the smooth massive production of food in Oyo state.
He noted that government would take advantage of this year’s sufficient rainfall to ensure massive food production for the citizenry.
The Commissioner stated that the state government has improved the farmers’ capacity to produce more efficiently by making provisions for farm inputs to farmers which includes cassava, maize, rice and pesticides to ensure sufficient food security.
Ojekunle, while assuring the people of massive production of rice, said that the state has invested in production of rice particularly in Iseyin, Saki (palapala) and Ibarapa zones of the state.
The Commissioner used the occasion to appeal to the youth to take advantage of opportunities provided by the state government through various insightful and educating agricultural programmes to engage and create better future for themselves.
He reiterated that “we are in the youth government era” and youths are the future of food security, and so, a call has gone to the youth to come out in great number and engage in the agricultural activities.
“Acres of land have already been allotted for agricultural activities in places like Ilero, Igbeti, Ogbomoso among other selected areas,” the Commissioner said.
Every 16th of October marks the annual celebration of World Food Day across the country.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali
