Oyo State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, has stated that the policies of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde towards improving the agriculture sector have worked well in bringing about necessary reforms and innovations in agriculture practice in the State.
He maintained that through the combination of technical services, infrastructure development and investments in human capital in the sector, the State has become a leader in agricultural innovations and food security in Nigeria.
Olaleye, who stated this on Thursday, at the opening session of an inter-ministerial press briefing organised by Governor Makinde’s Media Unit, to commemorate the second anniversary of Omituntun 2.0, highlighted the achievements of his Ministry.
Olaleye noted that through these veterinary services, rural development, extension services, capacity building and infrastructure development programmes carried out by the Ministry, the State has emerged as a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.
He pointed out the example of the impact being made by the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub in the areas of attracting investments and becoming a model for other States of the federation and a point of attraction for the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other financial institutions for partnership.
He declared that through different efforts and policies implemented by the Governor, the Ministry of Agriculture has successfully nurtured farmers and improved food production.
He added that the administration has also built the infrastructure and institutional capacity needed for sustainable agricultural growth in the State, such as the establishment of nine Farm Service Centres across the agricultural zones Statewide and renovation of eight strategic facilities across the State.
Olaleye said: “Under the Governor’s progressive leadership and his administration’s dedication to agricultural excellence, our Ministry has recorded unprecedented successes across all sectors of agricultural development.
“The Governor’s policy direction, financial support, and political will have created an enabling environment that has allowed us to implement transformative programmes that are directly impacting the lives of our farmers and rural communities.
“I wish to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency for his consistent support and to acknowledge the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, development partners, farmers, and all stakeholders whose collaboration has made these achievements possible.
“The successes we celebrate today are a testament to what is achievable when leadership vision meets professional dedication and community participation.
“This report highlights our key accomplishments across veterinary services, rural development, extension services, capacity building, and infrastructure development – all contributing to Oyo State’s emergence as a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.
“Our veterinary services have demonstrated exceptional commitment to livestock health protection through our strategic vaccination programme. We have successfully vaccinated 95,948 cattle against Anthrax and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), representing 80 per cent progress toward our ambitious target of 120,000 cattle.
“This proactive approach has significantly reduced livestock mortality rates and protected farmers’ investments while safeguarding public health through the prevention of zoonotic diseases.
“In terms of regulatory framework, we have strengthened the agricultural sector through the development of crucial regulatory frameworks, including comprehensive guidelines and regulations for hatchery operations in Oyo State, standard operating procedures for poultry processors, and the Oyo State Trade Cattle, Sheep and Goats Law with detailed SOPs for livestock dealers.
“These regulations provide clear operational standards that enhance productivity while ensuring animal welfare and consumer protection.
“In the area of rural development, our rural infrastructure development programme continues to transform agricultural communities through strategic road construction projects totaling 87.53 kilometres across multiple local Governments.
“These include the FRSC-Okudi-Oyada road: 6.82 km in ATISBO LG; 4.37 km Market-Illa junction in Oriire LG; 8.85 km Adebayo Alata-Obembe, Aba Oje Road in Oluyole LG; 21.96 km Oloko-Oyo-Ikere Gorge Dam Road in Iseyin LG; 8.43 km Fasola Farm Settlement Road in Oyo West LG and the 37.1 km Alako-Idi-Iya-Batake-Olowa Farm Rettlement Road.”
Explaining further, Olaleye noted that the government’s agriculture mechanisation support programme has also seen it plough 13,077.10 acres for 2,827 farmers as of June 10th, 2025 under the Tractorisation Subsidy Programme.
“Our mechanisation support programme has achieved remarkable success, with 1,487 farmers benefiting from 50 per cent tractorisation subsidies in 2024, resulting in 6,090 acres of farmland being ploughed.The momentum continues into 2025, with 13,077.10 acres already ploughed for 2,827 farmers as of June 10th, 2025, as we work toward our ambitious target of 120,000 acres for the year.
“In the area of extension services, we provided 15 motorcycles to Extension Officers, dramatically improving their ability to reach farmers in remote areas.
“Additionally, we conducted comprehensive training for both farmers and Extension Officers on the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, ensuring climate-informed agricultural decision-making.
“We have also significantly strengthened our technical capacity through the recruitment of 20 veterinary doctors and 141 agricultural officers across various cadres, ensuring adequate professional support for our expanding programs and services.
“In the area of input distribution to support agriculture enterprises, our comprehensive input distribution programme reached thousands of farmers: soybean seeds to 920 farmers, maize seeds to 3,541 farmers, cassava stems to 1,269 farmers (covering 47,587.5 acres with potential to produce 214,143.75 tons of cassava tubers), knapsack sprayers to 1,980 farmers, and herbicides and pesticides to 2,500 farmers.
“We distributed quality inputs to diverse livestock farmers: 1,150 fish farmers received 3 bags each of 15kg quality fish feed; 2,536 cattle, sheep, and goat farmers received nutritional supplements including 253,600kg of wheat offal, brewery dried grains, salt licks, and disinfectants; 3,740 poultry farmers received 8 bags of 50kg maize grains each; and 1,028 pig farmers received palm kernel cake and disinfectants.
“Our massive distribution of 65,000 bundles of cassava stems to 1,269 farmers, demonstrates our commitment to food security, with projections showing potential production of 214,143.75 tons of cassava tubers from 47,587.5 acres of newly planted farmland.
“We provided microloans to 3,501 smallholder farmers with soft loans ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦800,000 per beneficiary, enabling farmers to expand their operations and improve their livelihoods.
“Our capacity building initiatives reached 3,830 individuals across various agricultural enterprises:
“We also trained 62 rural farmers in modern agricultural practices at the Oyo State-IITA Youth Agribusiness Incubation Centre in Aawe, providing them with both knowledge and land allocation for practical application.
“In conclusion, these achievements represent a comprehensive approach to agricultural development that addresses every aspect of the value chain – from input supply and production support to processing, marketing, and capacity building.
“Our programmes have directly impacted tens of thousands of farmers while building the infrastructure and institutional capacity needed for sustainable agricultural growth in Oyo State. The combination of technical services, infrastructure development, and human capital investment positions our state as a leader in agricultural innovation and food security in Nigeria.”
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, who declared the session open, appreciated the people of the state and the media for their support for Governor Makinde’s administration since its inception.
She assured that the Government would continue to prioritise and serve the interests of the people.
Also in his welcome address, the Special Adviser on Media to the governor, who also doubles as the Chief Press Secretary, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said the inter-ministerial press briefing was organised to enable Commissioners and Heads of Government Departments and Agencies give account of their activities in the last two years and to explain how the efforts have impacted on the lives of the citizens.

As part of its ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases, the Oyo State Government has sensitized stakeholders in the poultry industry on the prevention of Avian Influenza.

Speaking at a sensitization and awareness meeting held today at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, emphasized the urgency of proactive engagement in response to recent outbreaks of Avian Influenza reported in Kano and Katsina States.

Speaking through the Director of Regulation and Enforcement, Mr. Olusegun Ezekiel, Barrister Olaleye noted that the resurgence of Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, poses a significant threat not only to poultry production but also to public health. He described it as a highly contagious disease with zoonotic potential, underscoring the need for early action and collaboration among stakeholders across the poultry value chain.

“In line with the Government’s commitment to the welfare of our people and the security of lives and property, we are taking deliberate steps to safeguard public health and ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector,” Olaleye stated.

He explained that the objective of the awareness campaign is to educate farmers, particularly veterinarians, animal handlers, and the general public on the symptoms and risk factors associated with Avian Influenza. The campaign also aims to promote improved biosecurity practices, enhance surveillance, and encourage prompt reporting and response to suspected cases.

Highlighting the achievements of the current administration under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, the Commissioner disclosed that over 250,000 sheep and goats have been immunized against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and 120,000 cattle vaccinated against Anthrax and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP). He also announced the recruitment of 20 veterinary doctors and 25 animal health technologists to strengthen veterinary services, meat inspection, and ambulatory care across the State.

While allaying farmers’ fears, the Commissioner revealed that a national field trial of imported Avian Influenza vaccines is currently underway on selected farms. The results, he said, will guide future national vaccination policies.

In her words, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. (Mrs.) Laide Azeez, urged participants to extend the awareness to their various groups and associations, stressing that preventing Avian Influenza is a shared responsibility.

Delivering a presentation on “Avian Influenza: Symptoms, Prevention, early detection and response strategies,” Dr. Stephen Adejoro explained that infected birds typically exhibit symptoms such as lethargy, decreased appetite, reduced egg production, nasal discharge, and sudden death. He recommended that the Federal Government support and fund Avian Influenza vaccination as a national control strategy.

In his remarks, Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Elder Omikunle Omidokun, commended the State Government for its proactive measures to prevent the disease’s outbreak. He suggested that the awareness campaign be extended to all zones of the State to ensure wider coverage and sensitization. He further called on the Federal Government to collaborate with key stakeholders, particularly hatchery operators, to support the introduction of Avian Influenza vaccination.

The Oyo State Government in its drive to boost food production on Monday, at the State fertilizer store in Oyo town flagged-off free distribution of fertilizer to farmers across all the geo-political zones of the State.

Each of the beneficiaries of the first phase of the distribution programme who are mostly youth, women and middle aged genuine and dedicated farmers selected from Akinyele local Government, Ogo Oluwa local Government, Oyo West and Iseyin local Government areas went their various homes with two bags of fertilizer.

In his address at the event, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye stated that the occasion marks a significant milestone in our Agricultural development journey, as we transition from subsidized fertilizer sales to completely free distribution-a transformation that reflects our Government’s unwavering commitment to Agricultural excellence.

“Our great farmers, your tireless efforts, and unwavering dedication to ensuring food security in Oyo State and Nigeria deserve our highest commendation. We fully recognize the challenges you face, including security concerns and the rising costs of agricultural inputs. In response to these challenges, our administration has taken decisive action to support your endeavours.

“Through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with Sustainable Action for Economic Reform (SAFER), we successfully implemented comprehensive Agricultural support initiatives last year. These initiatives included, distribution of 8 bags of 50,800kg maize grains each to 2,800 poultry farmers, provision of Palm Kernel Cake and disinfectants to 1,028 pig farmers and vaccination of 95,948 cattle against Anthrax and CBPP, supply of supplements and disinfectants to 2,536 cattle, sheep, and goat farmers, support to 1,150 fish farmers with quality feed, distribution of improved soybean seeds to 920 farmers and essential inputs to 2,889 crop farmers, provision of knapsack sprayers to 2,500 farmers. 3501 farmers benefitted from Agricultural loans, totaling one billion naira.

“Approval for ploughing 40,000 acres at 50% subsidy rates, benefiting 2,537 farmers with a total number of 6,000 acres ploughed and 1487 benefited. Additionally, we conducted comprehensive soil testing across 100 communities in collaboration with OCP Africa, training 22,370 farmers and establishing a comprehensive farmer database. This year, our ministry has expanded its activities to include, annual presentations of weather forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency
(NIMET) translated into Yoruba for better accessibility Resuscitation of the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Council (OYSSCC). Training of extension agents on climate prediction and digital mapping technologies, training of 3,830 farmers across various Agricultural enterprises, upcoming training for 250 retired and soon-to-retire civil servants on basic Agricultural practices, expansion of tractorisation subsidy coverage to 120,000 acres from 40.000 projected last year.

“The free fertilizer distribution we launch today represents our commitment to Agricultural excellence and food security. Last year, 4,302 farmers received 8,702 bags of assorted fertilizers. This year, we have prepared 12,298 bags of assorted fertilizers for free distribution to farmers across the State. This programme extends beyond mere agricultural inputs it represents an investment in your future, your families’ prosperity, and our nation’s food security. We are committed to enhancing crop productivity, strengthening food security, and increasing rural farmers’ income while positioning our Agricultural sector for sustainable growth.

“I urge all beneficiaries to maximize the potential of these resources and resist any attempts to compromise the integrity of this programme. These fertilizers are your entitlement as hardworking farmers contributing to our state’s development.At this juncture, I express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde, for his consistent support of Oyo State’s agricultural sector and unwavering commitment to farmers’ welfare.

“This programme aims to combat hunger and strengthen food security throughout Oyo State and Nigeria. Together, we are building a prosperous Agricultural future for our state and nation. On this note, with great honour and privilege, I hereby officially declare the Free Fertilizer Distribution Programme for farmers in Oyo State open to the glory of God, bountiful harvest in this planting season, improved livelihood among farmers in our pacesetter state and enhanced food security in Nigeria. Olaleye said.

Earlier in her welcome, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Abosede Owoeye noted that Agriculture remains one of the most viable pathways toward achieving sustainable food production and nutrition security.

She maintained that the objective of the program is to enhance local production of nutritious food, an endeavour in which smallholder farmers play an absolutely crucial role.

“As food consumers, both rural and urban populations in developing economies depend heavily on the efficiency and productivity of smallholder farmers to meet their nutritional needs. Beyond their contribution to food security, small-scale farms represent a significant portion of our rural population, many of whom face economic challenges.

“Therefore, deliberate initiatives to support and enhance their productive capacity represent a strategic win-win approach for both economic growth and poverty reduction in our communities. In recent years, there has been insufficient attention given to farmers, particularly smallholder farmers, regarding the provision of essential Agricultural inputs by Government at various levels. This gap has significantly impacted Agricultural productivity and food security across many regions. Owoeye stressed.

In their separate reactions, some of the beneficiaries that spoke with journalists lauded Governor Makinde for the free distribution of the fertilizers.

Madam Titilayo Jimoh from Obada, Oja Oba, in Ogo Oluwa local Government, Mr Kehinde Ogundiran from Ogo Oluwa local Government, Stephen Ayodapo Oluwagbemiro from Akinyele local government commended Governor Seyi Makinde for the support and the timely distribution of the free fertilizer, they maintained that the gesture will go along way in boosting food production in the State.

The Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (OY-RAAMP) has awarded contracts worth N3.5 billion for the first phase of  physical improvement and remodelling of three markets across the state.

The three markets selected for the first phase of the physical improvement include, Aare-Alasa Market, Akanran area, Ona-Ara Local Government, Oja-Agbe Market, Iseyin Local Government, Oja-Oba Market, Ibarapa Central Local Government.

Speaking at the official signing ceremony recently, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to transforming rural markets into modern, functional hubs that will drive agricultural productivity and improve access to markets across the state.

According to the Commissioner, “These markets will undergo comprehensive modernization, including upgraded infrastructure, enhanced storage facilities, improved access roads, and other critical features aimed at streamlining agricultural logistics and supporting both farmers and traders”.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, described the contract signing as a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural transformation efforts stressing that the initiative aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of ensuring food security and economic empowerment in rural communities.

In her address the OY-RAAMP Coordinator, Engr. Mrs. Adeola Ekundayo, explained that the N3.5 billion allocation covers: N1,227,196,608.81 for the Aare Alasa Market upgrade, N1,219,954,792.90 for the Oja-Agbe Market upgrade, N1,042,800,042.63 for the Oja-Oba Market improvement.

She noted that the Agro-Logistics component of RAAMP is strategically designed to enhance rural market infrastructure, ensure better linkage to rural roads, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the accessibility of farm produce.

The contractors awarded for each project site include: Quicbond Nigeria Ltd – Aare Alasa Market, Ona-Ara LGA, Lee Fakino Nigeria Ltd – Oja-Agbe Market, Iseyin LGA, AB-Bond Habitat Ltd – Oja-Oba Market, Ibarapa Central LGA

Engr. Ekundayo however urged the contractors to actively engage with the host communities throughout the project’s execution to ensure sustainability and local support.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has officially commissioned the South West Regional Training Centre and Liaison Office of the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI) in Ibadan.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Ibadan, the Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, reaffirmed the State’s commitment to enhancing Agricultural productivity through strategic partnerships.

Barrister Olaleye explained that the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde-led administration in the State has prioritized Agriculture development through capacity-building initiatives.

He noted that the Ministry of Agriculture has trained over 3,000 farmers in modern Agricultural practices, significantly boosting productivity and sustainability in the sector.

He also reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring the Agricultural sector thrives to an enviable height.

While expressing gratitude to the Federal Government and other stakeholders for selecting Oyo State as the regional headquarters for the South West ARMTI program, the commissioner described the center as a vital hub for agricultural training and support services for farmers in the region.

He stated that the development is a clear indication of the Government’s readiness to sustain food security both within the State and across Nigeria.

Dr. Oladunni explained that the ARMTI, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is responsible for training farmers nationwide in various modern Agricultural practices aimed at empowering them and enhancing Agricultural productivity.

…As OYO L- PRES Flags Off Free Anthrax Vaccination Exercise

IBADAN – Oyo State Government in its efforts to ensure food sufficiency commenced free vaccinations exercise for no fewer than 88,000 livestock animals across the State.

The free anthrax vaccination exercise aimed at protecting the livestock farmers’ livelihood, enhance livestock productivity and resilience, and also to ensure livestock health and food security across all the geo-political zones of the State.

Speaking while declaring open the campaign exercise in Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, the Chairman Steering Committee of Oyo L-PRES, who also doubles as the Director General of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Debo Akande who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Agency, Mr Badmus Kolade urged livestock farmers in the State to bring out their animals for anthrax vaccination.

In his words, Akande said, “Today’s event is not just a formal exercise, it is a strong signal of our shared commitment to protecting the health of our livestock, the safety of our communities, and the integrity of our economy.

“Anthrax is a serious zoonotic disease that poses significant threats to animal health, human health, and the livelihoods of our livestock farmers. Left unchecked, it can cause sudden deaths in animals, contaminate the environment, and expose communities to grave risks. We cannot afford to be reactive, we must be proactive, and that is why we are gathered here today.

“This campaign will be rolled out across all high-risk areas, targeting cattle, sheep and goats. The teams of trained Veterinary officers and animal health technologists will work hand-in-hand with community leaders, livestock owners, and other stakeholders to ensure that this exercise is a success.

“Engr. Seyi Makinde’s administration, which came on board in 2019, has implemented a comprehensive strategy to boost agriculture and agribusiness, focusing on crops and livestock. What made our administration stand out was the strategy adopted and key initiatives taken, which include, Oyo State Agricultural Micro-Enterprise Scheme, where a database of more than 10,000 smallholder farmers has been created to provide support, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of the Food Security in Emergency scheme.

“The State has launched an Agribusiness industrial hub to recover and extract value from moribund Government assets and abandoned projects, promoting Agricultural development. The flagship project is the Fasola Agribusiness Transformation Center, a model that has attracted local and international visitors, including the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and development partners such as African Development Bank’s team among several other State Government team across Nigeria.

“Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) was established to oversee and coordinate Agribusiness activities, OYSADA plays a crucial role in implementing the State’s Agricultural agenda by attracting medium, large-scale investors into the Aagricultural landscape of the State.

“To bring on board our young population into agriculture, the agency implemented programmes like Start Them Early Program (STEP) in about 15 secondary schools across the State as well as Oyo State-IITA Youth Agribusiness Incubation Centre, where more than 100 youths have undergone hands-on training on animal production and management, all in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

The Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Oyo State chapter, Mr. Abass Adewunmi Adekunle, has lauded Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, for the support given to farmers in the State.

According to Adekunle in an interview, the support by the administration of Governor Makinde resulted in considerable increase in farmers’ output in 2024, which eventually resulted in a substantial crash in prices of food items.

The AFAN chairman said Oyo State Government supported all categories of farmers with farming inputs, fertilizers, cash, counsel and tractors, all of which led to bounteous harvest for farmers and cheaper food items for the people of Oyo State.

As part of its continued efforts in ensuring food security, the Oyo State Government has begun a capacity building programme for 1,950 farmers across its 33 Local Government Areas.

This was made known in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade.

Declaring the training exercise open on Wednesday, March 12, in Ibadan, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said that the event would create a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that boosts food production in Nigeria.

Speaking through the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, the Commissioner revealed that Government is investing in the State’s future through its various trainings for farmers, adding that the Engr. Seyi Makinde-led administration recognizes the crucial role farmers play in ensuring food security and economic prosperity.

According to Olasunkanmi, “the training programme encompasses various areas. Six hundred and sixty farmers will receive training on pasture establishment, management, conservation, and artificial insemination techniques while 300 farmers will learn about climate-smart agriculture, focusing on high-value crop production and effective weed management strategies.

“One hundred and forty young farmers will receive training on beekeeping practices;100 participants will learn about shea butter production techniques; 90 participants will receive training on locust bean processing methods and 660 youths, women, and retirees will receive specialized training on mushroom cultivation across all zones in the State.”

Barrister Olaleye therefore urged the participants to take full advantage of the training, emphasising that the Government has engaged expert resource persons to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.

Expert at the event included scholars from the University of Ibadan, including Prof. Olusola Olorunnisomo and Dr. Adewunmi Adesina, Mr. Tunmise Olagbaju, and bee Specialist, Mr. Kola Ajao, among others.

Oyo State Government has begun the first phase of distribution of motorcycles to Agricultural Extension Officers across the State as a demonstration of its determination to boost agricultural extension services in the State.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, who gave out 15 motorcycles to the agricultural extension officers on Tuesday, noted that they serve as links between researchers and farmers.

According to him, extension officers play a critical role in the dissemination of innovations and technologies to smallholder farmers to enhance productivity and improve farmers’ standard of living and ensure food security in the State.

He explained that the Governor Seyi Makinde administration will focus on addressing some of the pressing challenges facing agricultural extension services, including systemic decline driven by several key factors.

He said: “I am highly delighted to welcome you to the distribution of BAJAJ motorcycles to Officers/Extension Agents in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

“Agricultural Extension Officers (Agents) are the link between the researchers and the farmers. They play a critical role in the dissemination of innovations and technologies to the smallholder farmers, which will invariably increase their productivity and improve their standard of living and ensure food security in the State.

“Therefore, the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, approved the purchase of BAJAJ motorcycles for the Agricultural Extension Agents in the State to enhance agricultural extension service delivery.

“You will all agree with me that one of the most pressing challenges facing the Agricultural Extension Officers is the systemic decline, driven by several key factors which include critical shortage of Extension Agents due to retirements without adequate replacement.

“Other factors are young people’s reluctance to pursue careers in agriculture and entrepreneurship, lack of sufficient training and professional development of extension agents and lack of proper transportation resources, making it difficult for them to reach and serve farmers in remote villages.

“In ameliorating the observed challenges, the present administration has embarked on programmes, projects and provision of manpower, including this distribution of BAJAJ motorcycles that we are witnessing today.

“Other interventions include: Start Them Early Programme (STEP) to encourage agricultural interest in secondary school students being replicated in eight zones of Oyo State. The Government just concluded the recruitment of 161 officers across cadres in the Ministry.

“Last year, we also embarked on the training of 131 Extension Agents across the 33 LGAs and LCDAs on the use of digital applications to measure farmland under the 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy programme of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER).

“Also, we embarked on the 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy programme under SAfER where 1,487 farmers benefited, and a total of 6,009.4083 acres of land was ploughed throughout the State.

“On this note, I have the singular honour and privilege to implore the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity to bridge the gap between researchers and farmers to boost food production, improve livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural service delivery.”

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Abosede Owoeye, noted that the distribution of the motorcycles to Agricultural Extension Officers across the State would serve as tools of transformation, as they will be able to access remote farming communities more efficiently, respond promptly to farmers’ needs and also deliver timely agricultural advisory services.

She appreciated the dedication and steadfastness of the Extension Officers in the State for their contribution and achievement in the 50 per cent tractorisation programme of the State Government under the SAfER programme in 2024.

She urged them to ensure improved agricultural extension service delivery in the State.

Speaking on behalf of the Agricultural Extension Officers, Mr Akanbi Ademola thanked Governor Makinde for improving the agriculture sector and promised to complement the efforts of the State Government to ensure food security in the State.

… reveals 100 Communities  soil Testing Result.

As part of its proactive measures  to ensure food security and sustainable agricultural practices, Oyo State Government has trained farmers on climate-resilient practices, in line with the 2025 rainfall prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

Speaking on the importance of the training to farmers and  the State at large, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye said the training program is designed to educate farmers on innovative agricultural practices that can help them adapt to the predicted rainfall patterns and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

According to Barrister Olaleye, the training focuses on educating farmers on innovative agricultural practices, stressed that the practices include Drought-Tolerant Crops, Irrigation Management, Soil Conservation, and Organic Farming Practices, which can help farmers build resilience to climate-related shocks

The Commissioner equally revealed that 22,370 farmers were trained on good agricultural  practices during OCP soil testing adding that the results of soil testing conducted in 100 communities across the State in collaboration with OCP Africa would help farmers to know the types of crops to be planted in the said land, adding that the initiative would provide farmers with valuable insights into the nutrient content and fertility of their soils, enabling them to make decisions about fertilizer application and crop selection.

The Agric. commissioner explained that, according to the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, the state is anticipated to experience varying dry spell conditions across different Local Government Areas.

In her earlier address of welcome, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,  Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, revealed  that by providing farmers with access to climate information, soil testing results, and training on climate-resilient practices, the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Engr seyi Makinde is demonstrating its commitment to supporting the State’s agricultural sector and ensuring food security for its citizens.

She therefore urged the participants to consider the training as train the trainers and ensure every aspect of the training is considered as importance.

In his goodwill message, the State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Adewunmi Abass, praised the Government’s initiatives to bolster agriculture and food security.

The Chairman said, “The path forward lies in our collective commitment to adopting smart agricultural practices that not only foster resilience against climate change but also promote sustainable and profitable farming.”

“Let us recognize our role as stewards of the land, working to ensure a safer, more sustainable future for generations to come.”

The training was attended by well resource persons such as Professor Samuel Olakojo from IAR&T, Professor Mrs Morufat Balogun from IITA/UI, Dr. Nureni Ayanniyi from NCRI, Baale Agbes, Director of Agrics across the LGAs, Women in Agric and many more.

Adesoji Olusegun.

Media Officer,

MA&RD.