Beneficiaries of the Oyo State Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP), who were earlier sponsored by the state government for agribusiness training at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State, have commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his continued support through the ongoing Oyo N-Cares farm input distribution initiative.
The youths, who are among the latest recipients of the inputs distributed under the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), expressed gratitude to the governor for the timely intervention aimed at enhancing productivity and food security across the state.
The YEAP members also appreciated the Director General of OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande, for overseeing a seamless and inclusive distribution process in their respective local government areas.
Speaking at the commencement of the 5th phase of the N-Cares distribution exercise in Afijio Local Government Area, Dr. Akande explained that the program is under the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES) Result Area 2, aimed at supporting vulnerable farmers across all local government areas in Oyo State.
He emphasized the importance of the inputs provided which include fertilizers, seedlings, and herbicides and disclosed that increased agricultural productivity had already been recorded in the state, which according to him, reflects the effectiveness of the governor’s agribusiness policies.
Speaking on behalf of the YEAP beneficiaries in Oyo East Local Government, Kolade Kehinde expressed deep appreciation to Governor Makinde for his commitment to youth empowerment through agribusiness.
“Engr. Seyi Makinde is a visionary leader and a father figure to many of us.
“From our training in Nasarawa to this stage where we are receiving essential inputs to grow our farms, the journey has been impactful. We are also undergoing mentorship to ensure we apply these resources effectively,” he said.
Addressing speculations that YEAP participants were abandoned post-training, Kehinde dismissed the rumors, saying, “There is a clear structure in place.
“We have been contacted by FCMB for financial support facilitated by the state government, and they’ve already inspected our farms. We trust the process and the governor’s vision.”
In Oyo East, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Peter Oluokun represented by key council officials including Hon. Koforola Musa, Hon. Azeez Yinusa Adewale, Hon. Salami Kazeem Ademola, and Director of Agriculture Mr. Ojo Anthony, commended the governor for the initiative and urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the support.
Also in Oyo West Local Government, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Akeem Salami Olukitibi, received the OYSADA team and hailed Governor Makinde for prioritizing agribusiness development.
“Oyo West has benefited immensely from the governor’s agribusiness drive,” he said. “In Fashola, we now have nearly ten functioning agro-allied factories. This is unprecedented, not just in Oyo State, but nationally.”
Olukitibi also emphasized the potential for increased cassava and soybean production, citing improved access to local and international markets as a game changer for farmers in the area.
Similar positive feedback came from Surulere, Atisbo, and Ogooluwa local government areas, where political leaders and excited farmers received the N-Cares team from OYSADA.
Beneficiaries there also expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for what they described as life-changing support in their agribusiness ventures.
The event in Oyo East saw the presence of respected traditional leaders including Chiefs Adekunle Teslim (Baale Olori), Adeleke Basir (Loogun Alaafin of Oyo),
Alaoodi of Oyo, Fatai Ayantunji, Aderintan Liadi (Baale Oja Omo Oba), and Lateef Busari (Baale Kiyeseni).
Others were High Chiefs David Ademola Oyediran (Alaguo of Aguo, Oyo), Samuel Olusegun Odurinde JP (Alajagba Oyo Alaafin), Fakayode Moses Alowonle (Onimeleke of Imeleke, Oyo), Jimoh Jelili Iyiola (Oluode Ajagba, Oyo), Tijani Ajeigbe (Alapaara of Apaara, Oyo), Mrs. Titilayo Odurinde (Iyalode Agbe, Oyo East), and Mrs. Afonja Bukola (Otun Iyalode Agbe, Oyo East).
YEAP beneficiaries present included Lasisi Taofeek, Tajudeen Sakirudeen, Kehinde Busari, Muritala Sodiq, Olaleye Biodun, Muraina Fatai, Kolade Adebayo, and several others.