By Banji Ayoola
The Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration in Ondo State will continue to devote necessary resources to the agricultural sector to enable it take its rightful position as the state’s cash cow.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday by the ministry’s Head of Information Unit, Mr Bolu Ajijo, and sent to The Radiance.
According to the statement, the Governor made this pledge in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Tuesday, while speaking as the special guest of honour at the 32nd South West Research Extension Farmers Input Linkage System (REFILS).
The event took place at the Institute Of Agricultural Research and Training, Moore Plantation, Ibadan.
Akeredolu, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Otunba Gboyega Adefarati, said the only way Nigeria can catch up with other nations which have developed the sector to an enviable level, is to take Agriculture as a business.
The theme of the three-day event was: “Promoting Agribusiness and Strengthening Stakeholders Linkages in Adapting to Climate Change.”
He described the event as timely, considering the need to handle and treat Agriculture in all ramifications as a business in order to prevent or minimize the damages associated with the adverse effects of climate on Agriculture.
He highlighted the achievements of his administration since he came to office in spite of its limited resources.
He said his government has paid all counterpart funds for all externally funded agricultural projects or programmes that will benefit our people such as Fadama 111, Additional Financing Project where N175 million was paid in 2017 and N93 million in 2018.
Akeredolu, who held his audience spell bound, said in addition to these, his administration has established a 2,000 hectares Cocoa Plantation at Ijugbere, Owo for youths; rehabilitated the 1,744 hectares Oda Cocoa Estate and shared it to sharecroppers for proper management; and partnered the Chinese Firm Win – Win Textile Company to establish a textile factory at the industrial pack Ore which has commenced operations.
Besides, Ondo state Government is collaborating with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC through the PPP for the establishment of a Cassava to ethanol Factory at Okeluse, Ifon, and establishment of an Egg Powder Production Industry at Emure- ile in Owo, programmed to commence operations this year, among others.
In line with the aims of Sustainable Development Goals, Akeredolu said the state is partnering several Donor agencies/Development partners to bring into the state life transformation projects/programmes such as IFAD and The Niger Delta Development Commission.
High points of the three-day event which was attended by stakeholders in the agricultural extension services in the South West and beyond were presentation of technical papers, demonstration of latest techniques in extension services and presentation of Awards.
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