The Oyo State Government has clarified that the proposed development of portions of the Ogbomoso Farm Settlement is part of a long-term strategic plan to integrate agriculture, housing, and economic development, stressing that the initiative is not an attempt to sell the farm settlement.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, expressed the position while explaining the rationale behind the recent notice issued by the Ministry concerning portions of land within the Ogbomoso Farm Settlement.
Barr. Olaleye said the development should be understood within the broader context of the State Government’s long-term development plan under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, which prioritises agricultural transformation, food security, employment generation, and sustainable economic development.
According to him, the proposed New Town is designed to complement agricultural productivity, with a major component of the long-term plan being a land-intensive Farm Housing Scheme that will integrate modern agriculture, residential communities, and agro-allied industries within a properly planned environment.
He explained that the initiative is expected to increase agricultural production, create employment opportunities, strengthen agricultural value chains, attract investment, and contribute to the state’s food security objectives.
The Commissioner noted that the development is also necessary given the changing realities of the farm settlement, which has, over the years, become surrounded by expanding residential developments within Ogbomoso metropolis.
He further explained that some existing occupants have remained on portions of the land for several years without the required payments or formal documentation, while some original allottees are deceased.
According to him, the intervention therefore provides an opportunity for the government to properly reorganise, regulate, and optimise the use of the land in the public interest.
He stressed that the government’s commitment to agriculture remains unwavering, noting that the administration has continued to implement various interventions aimed at strengthening the sector.
These include subsidised tractorisation and agricultural mechanisation; provision of improved seedlings, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs; training of farmers and extension officers in climate-smart agriculture; strengthening of agricultural extension services; promotion of agribusiness, processing, and agricultural value chains; improved rural access and agricultural infrastructure through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP); as well as support for farmers, agripreneurs, and private-sector investment.
He maintained that these interventions demonstrate that the present administration is not working against agriculture but is repositioning the sector as a major driver of food security, employment, and economic growth.
The Commissioner therefore urged the general public, stakeholders, and residents of Ogbomoso to disregard misinformation and political interpretations suggesting that the government intends to sell the farm settlement.
He emphasised that the objective is to ensure that the land is put to productive and sustainable use while keeping agriculture at the core of the development.
Barr. Olaleye added that the proposed New Town represents an opportunity to integrate agriculture, housing, agro-allied industries, and economic opportunities within a properly planned environment that will benefit Ogbomoso and Oyo State at large.
He appealed to all stakeholders to support development initiatives that will promote agricultural productivity, food security, employment, investment, and sustainable economic growth.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
