The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, agricultural transformation, and sustainable development through a strategic partnership with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and other key stakeholders in the implementation of the Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Project (YERP).

The project is aimed at addressing youth unemployment, supporting the sustainable reintegration of returnees, and creating economic opportunities through agriculture as a means of strengthening rural communities and promoting inclusive development across the state.

Speaking at the ongoing three-day Reintegration Committee/Stakeholders Consultation on Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Project (YERP), held at Golden Tulip Hotel, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, described the initiative as a significant step towards addressing youth unemployment, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and strengthening agricultural development in rural communities.

He explained that agriculture remains a key driver of economic growth and rural development, stressing that equipping young people with relevant skills, resources, and opportunities would not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute significantly to food security and community development.

Barrister Olaleye further stated that the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, has continued to prioritise youth empowerment, agricultural transformation, and initiatives that provide sustainable economic opportunities for citizens.

Olasunkanmi expressed optimism that YERP would complement existing government efforts by equipping youths and returnees with the necessary support to become productive contributors to the agricultural value chain.

He however, commended the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Government of Denmark, and other stakeholders for their support, noting that the project aligns with the Oyo State Government’s vision of creating opportunities for young people and enhancing economic empowerment through agriculture.

In his remarks, the Project Manager, Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Project (YERP) at the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Mr. Tunde Omoyeni, said the project was designed to address youth unemployment, support the sustainable reintegration of returnees, and tackle the underlying drivers of irregular migration.

Mr. Omoyeni explained that YERP would create sustainable livelihood opportunities through agriculture by providing young people and returnees with access to land, climate-smart agricultural training, cooperative development, market linkages, and other livelihood support interventions.

He noted that the project goes beyond reintegration by generating evidence through research to inform improved policies and programmes on youth empowerment and migration management, stressing that the success of the initiative depends on strong collaboration among government institutions, communities, civil society organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders.

In his remarks, the South West Zonal Coordinator, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Mr. Alex Oturu, commended the partnership among the Oyo State Government, ICMPD, and other stakeholders in addressing migration challenges through sustainable solutions.

Mr. Oturu noted that sustainable reintegration of returnees extends beyond their return to communities, stressing the importance of economic empowerment, skills development, and access to productive opportunities that enable them to rebuild their lives.

He reaffirmed NCFRMI’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safe, orderly, and regular migration while addressing the root causes of irregular migration through community-based interventions.

The Zonal Coordinator added that YERP would strengthen collaboration among government institutions, development partners, and communities in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for youths and returnees.

The consultation brought together government officials, development partners, community representatives, youth groups, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on effective strategies for the successful implementation of the project in Ilero and Awe communities of Oyo State.

The engagement also featured discussions on baseline assessment and community mapping exercises in Ilero and Awe communities, with stakeholders contributing insights and local knowledge to guide effective project implementation

Oyo State  Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (OYO RAAMP) has been commended  for its outstanding performance, placing it among the top-performing States participating in the programme.

The National Coordinator, RAAMP (NCR), Engr. Aminu Bodinga, gave the commendation on Tuesday during the ongoing 10th Implementation Support Mission of the World Bank and African Development Fund (ADF), held at the National Airforce Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja.

Engr. Bodinga urged the Government to put in place necessary mechanisms for the commencement and effective implementation of the Rural Access Roads Agency (RARA) and the State Road Fund (SRF), stressing that these are vital for the sustainability and maintenance of rural road projects.

He also appreciated the Oyo State Government for assenting to the establishment of RARA and SRF, describing it as a clear indication of the State’s readiness to participate in the RAAMP Scale-Up programme.

According to him, my visit to Oyo State revealed impressive project delivery, particularly the 36.4-kilometre Alako–Idiya–Batake owa–Ijaye road, constructed using single coat surface dressing, which he noted stands out in quality when compared to similar projects in other States.

He further noted that although Oyo State’s RAAMP initially faced challenges, the State has made remarkable progress and is now performing excellently under the supervision of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Speaking with journalists immediately after the State’s presentation, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye stated that the recognition reflects the State Government’s commitment, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, to transparency, adherence to global best practices, and effective project implementation.

He noted that the commendation serves as encouragement for the State to sustain its performance and continue delivering impactful rural infrastructure that supports agricultural development and economic growth.

Presenting the State’s performance, the Coordinating Head and Infrastructure Engineer, Oyo RAAMP, Engr. Adegboyega Obe, disclosed that out of the 67.95km of roads awarded under backlog maintenance contracts, 55.9km have been completed,  added that Cross Drainage Structures (CDS) have been upgraded under backlog maintenance to 142 metres of CDS, while 20.04km of rural roads with surface dressing have also been completed.

He further noted that the physical improvement of Agro-Logistics Centres in three markets—Aare Alasa Market (Ona-Ara Local Government), Oja-Agbe Market (Iseyin Local Government), and Oja-Oba Market (Ibarapa Central Local Government, Igbo-Ora)—is nearing completion.

Engr. Obe however commended Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye for his leadership and commitment to ensuring that all projects meet the standards outlined in the Project Implementation Manual (PIM).

He, however, assured that the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) would continue to work diligently to ensure that Oyo State maintains its leading position among participating States.

Dignitaries at the event included the World Bank Task Team Lead, Mr. Rakesh Tripathi; the African Development Fund (ADF) representative; the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; as well as representatives from the 19 participating RAAMP States, among others.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining and strengthening its partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to enhance agricultural practices and boost food security across the State.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musbau Babatunde, gave this assurance on behalf of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, while receiving the newly appointed FAO Country Representative at the SSG Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Prof. Babatunde stated that the current administration is committed to harnessing strategic partnerships with international development organisations like the FAO to promote innovation, boost agricultural productivity, and achieve sustainable rural development.

He emphasized that agriculture remains a key pillar in the State’s economic agenda, adding that collaboration with global bodies would further support farmers with modern techniques, capacity building, and access to improved inputs.

The SSG also highlighted the various interventions of the State Government in the agricultural sector, stressing that Oyo State is open to more technical support and knowledge exchange that would enhance value chains and promote food sufficiency.

His remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, explained that the present administration in the state has made significant progress in the agricultural sector.

He highlighted key interventions such as the promotion of mechanized farming, including the introduction of a 50 percent tractorization subsidy to support farmers, distribution of improved seedlings and farm inputs.

Also, provision of fertilizers at subsidized rates, rehabilitation of rural farm roads, irrigation support programmes, and strengthening of extension services to reach farmers at the grassroots.

He added that the Government has also intensified efforts in livestock development, fisheries support, youth engagement in agribusiness, and the promotion of agro-processing and value addition to reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers’ income.

In his remarks, the FAO Country Representative, Hussein Gadain, commended the Oyo State Government for its proactive approach to agricultural development and expressed readiness to deepen collaboration in areas such as climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness development, and food systems transformation.

Dr. Gadain further highlighted the contributions of the FAO to agricultural development in Nigeria, including support for smallholder farmers through capacity building, provision of climate-resilient seeds, promotion of sustainable farming practices, pest and disease control interventions, and strengthening of food systems.

He noted that the organization has also been actively involved in supporting farmers with early warning systems, digital agricultural solutions, and resilience-building programmes aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and improving food security nationwide.

E-Signed:

Prince ‘Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commisioner for Information,

Oyo State.

Oyo State Government  has  trained 116 Extension Agents and Monitoring Officers on the newly improved mapping application deployed under the State’s 50% Tractorisation Subsidy Programme, as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural service delivery and ensure transparency in government interventions.

Declaring the training open, the State  Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, stated that agriculture remains a central pillar in the economic development agenda of Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, explained that the administration remains committed to boosting food production while ensuring efficiency, transparency and accountability in the implementation of agricultural programmes across the State.

He  noted that the introduction of the upgraded mapping application represents a significant milestone in the Tractorisation Subsidy Programme, as it will enable accurate geo-referencing of farm locations and sizes, eliminate duplication, ensure fair allocation of subsidised services, strengthen monitoring and evaluation, and provide real-time data for planning and policy decisions.

According to him, the innovation will also enhance transparency and accountability in programme implementation.

Barr. Olaleye therefore urged the participants to take the training seriously, noting that Extension Agents and Monitoring Officers remain the backbone of agricultural service delivery in the State.

He added that the training is designed to equip them with the necessary technical knowledge and practical skills to effectively utilise the improved mapping application, while also commending the Department of Agricultural Extension Services and other partners for their commitment to strengthening agricultural mechanisation in Oyo State.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede  Owoeye,  described the training as both strategic and timely in advancing the State’s agricultural development agenda.

She noted that the newly improved farmland mapping application, deployed under the 50 percent Tractorisation Subsidy Programme, represents a major step toward strengthening agricultural mechanisation, improving transparency, and ensuring efficient service delivery to farmers across Oyo State.

Mrs. Owoeye explained that the programme has continued to provide significant support to farmers by reducing the cost of land preparation, improving the timeliness of farming operations, and increasing overall productivity.

According to her, the upgraded digital platform will ensure accurate geo-referencing of farm locations, eliminate duplication and irregularities in subsidy allocation, enable real-time monitoring of tractor deployment, and promote data-driven planning and policy decisions within the Ministry.

She emphasised that Extension Agents and Monitoring Officers remain the vital link between Government policies and farmers at the grassroots, stressing that the success of the improved application depends largely on their competence, diligence, and integrity.

The Permanent Secretary therefore urged participants to actively engage in the training and assured them of the Ministry’s continued support in providing the necessary tools and enabling environment to enhance service delivery to farmers across the State.

The Oyo State Government has officially flagged off the 2026 farming season, urging farmers across the state to take advantage of seasonal climate forecasts to guide their farming activities and improve agricultural productivity.

The programme, held at the Local Government Staff Hall, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan, also featured the public presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and the flag-off of the 50 percent Tractorisation Subsidy Programme under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the seasonal climate prediction serves as an important early warning system that provides farmers with vital information on rainfall patterns, the onset and cessation of the rainy season, the length of the cropping season, possible dry spells, and temperature variations.

He explained that the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency indicates that Oyo State may experience varying dry spell conditions across some Local Government Areas, stressing the need for farmers to pay close attention to weather advisories while planning their farming activities.

Barr. Olaleye also formally flagged off the 50 percent Tractorisation Subsidy Programme under the SAfER initiative, noting that the programme was introduced to make mechanised farming more accessible and affordable for farmers across the State.

According to him, since the programme commenced in 2024, significant progress has been recorded with the registration of tractors and booking agents, while thousands of acres of farmland have been ploughed for farmers across the State. He added that the initiative has enabled farmers to cultivate larger farm sizes, reduce labour costs, and improve planting schedules.

In his address, Chairman of the Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Peter Ojedokun, commended the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Seyi Makinde for being proactive in agricultural development in the State.

He however pledged that the Oyo State House of Assembly, under the leadership of the Speaker, Debo Ogundoyin, would continue to support policies and programmes aimed at strengthening agriculture and improving the welfare of farmers across the State.

Earlier in her welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, noted that the convergence of the three events; the flag-off of the farming season, the presentation of the Seasonal Climate Prediction, and the tractorisation subsidy programme reflects the seriousness of the Government’s commitment to agricultural transformation in Oyo State.

She expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to people-centred development initiatives in the state.

Mrs. Owoeye explained that the presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction would provide farmers and stakeholders with critical information on rainfall onset and cessation dates, expected dry spells, length of the growing season, temperature outlook, and flood risk zones across the State.

She added that the aim of the sensitisation programme was to bridge the gap between scientific climate information and practical agricultural decision-making.

According to her, understanding and applying seasonal climate predictions would help farmers determine appropriate planting dates, select suitable crop varieties, plan irrigation schedules, manage livestock and fisheries effectively, and mitigate risks associated with floods and drought.

In his remarks, the State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Engr. Samson Adetunji, commended the Oyo State Government for its sustained commitment to agricultural development and farmers’ welfare.

He added that the Federal Government, under the leadership of Bola Tinubu, remains committed to supporting farmers across the Country through policies and programmes aimed at boosting food production and ensuring national food security.

Also speaking, the Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Cahpter, Mr. Adewumi Abass, appreciated the Government on behalf of farmers in the State.

He noted that information on weather forecasts is very important, particularly in view of the global challenges posed by climate change, and urged farmers to strictly adhere to the predictions released by NiMet to avoid losses and ensure a successful farming season.

The event brought together key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including farmers, agricultural experts, extension officers, Government officials, and development partners.

The Oyo State Government has called on all dog and pet owners to vaccinate their animals against rabies to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases.

The call was made by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, on Monday at the Rabies Sensitization/Awareness Programme, held  at the State Veterinary Hospital, Mokola, Ibadan.

He described rabies as a serious public health threat, particularly in rural communities, noting that the disease remains underreported but devastating.

The commissioner, who spoke through the Director Veterinary Services, Dr. Mrs. Laide Azeez, reminded residents that the Oyo State Dog Law 2020 mandates annual vaccination of dogs and prohibits them from roaming freely; stressing that non-compliance attracts fines of ₦250,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

He added that the Ministry, through Veterinary Services in all 33 Local Government Areas, has intensified mass vaccination campaigns, promoted responsible pet ownership, and enhanced public awareness.

Barrister Olaleye reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to eradicating rabies and strengthening veterinary services across the State.

He said “Rabies is preventable if dog owners act responsibly. Collective action is required to create a rabies-free environment and protect our communities,”

Delivering a lecture titled “Rabies: What You Need to Know,” the Head of Animal Health Technology, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Dr. Ifeoluwapo Akanbi, explained that rabies is caused by Lyssavirus, spread through saliva and nervous tissue of infected animals.

She noted that rabies kills over 59,000 persons annually, mostly in Africa and Asia, and humans can contract it through bites, scratches, licks on broken skin, or, in rare cases, organ transplants.                           She urged immediate medical attention after suspected exposure and routine vaccination of pets.

Also speaking, the Surveillance Officer, State Ministry of Health, Mr. Hamed Adewole, said officers are available in all the 33LGAs of the State. He therefore enjoined residents to report suspected cases promptly.

In his remarks, Chairman Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Oyo State Chapter, Dr. Bolaji Olaomo, urged the participants to share the information widely, stressing that achieving a society free from zoonotic diseases requires collective responsibility.

OYO STATE FRAMEWORK FOR RESPONSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE LAND INTENSIVE INVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURE (FRILIA),

 (TECHNICAL COMMITTEE)

                    All Communication should be addressed to the Chairman

 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM PROCESS

The following processes shall be followed by an aggrieved person in resolving his/her grievance(s) with this Committee (FRILIA Technical Committee):

• For reporting any grievance(s) contact the desk officer via our helpline: Phone No. 07065866978
• Download the GRM complaint form from the State official website via the link: https://agric.oyostate.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/OYO-FRILIA-GRIEVANCE-REDRESS-COMPLAINT-FORM.pdf

Or

• Obtain the complaint form from the Desk officer at Room No. 38 Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural     Development, Secretariat, Ibadan filled and submitted with a covering letter to the Honourable  Commissioner , Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
• Upon the submission the complaint shall be acknowledged within 24hrs
• After the receipt of the complaint the  Grievance Redress Desk officer/ Committee may investigate on the matter.
• Based on the finding of the investigation, the Technical Committee/Grievance Redress Committee shall deliberate on the ground raised, resolve the grievance and make decision regarding the complaints or issues. These shall take effect within 14 days from the date of initial submission of the complaint.
• If the aggrieved person is dissatisfied with the decision of the MDA/Committee, he/she is entitle to file or write an appeal to the Grievance Redress Appeal Committee at the State Level in the Mediation Centre situated at Ministry of Justice which shall take up the matter. This shall be resolved within 14 days of the appeal from the dissatisfied person.

                             _____________________

                                    The Chairman

                        FRILIA Technical Committee

Oyo State, under the visionary leadership of Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde has continued to record landmark achievements in agriculture through strategic programmes and initiatives aimed at boosting food security, empowering farmers, and modernizing the agricultural sector.

One of the most remarkable interventions is the 50% tractorisation subsidy programme, which has so far benefited 6,103 farmers as of September 8, 2025, with the programme still ongoing. This initiative has significantly reduced the burden of mechanized farming costs, making modern farming practices more accessible to local farmers.

In 2024, the Makinde-led administration made giant strides in supporting farmers across various subsectors. Over 1,000 fish farmers received 3,000 bags of 15 kg of feed free of charge, a development that tremendously boosted fish production in the State. Additionally, 2,537 arable farmers were empowered with critical inputs such as cassava stems, hybrid premier maize seeds, knapsack sprayers, and herbicides. In the same year, no fewer than 2,600 poultry farmers were supported with 400 kg of maize grain, further strengthening food production and sustainability.

To consolidate these gains and enhance service delivery, the Government recruited 161 new staff into the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, led by Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye. Among these, 56 agricultural extension officers were deployed to ensure farmers receive adequate technical guidance, modern agricultural information, and climate-smart practices to improve productivity.

Beyond manpower, the ministry, under the watch of Commissioner Olaleye, has intensified farmer training programmes, equipping them with vital knowledge on climate change and weather forecasts. Farmers are now better prepared to adapt to changing rainfall patterns, mitigate risks, and improve resilience in farming—thereby boosting productivity and reducing losses.

To address post-harvest losses caused by poor rural infrastructure, the government has embarked on the construction of about 68 km of rural roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). In addition, the physical improvement of three major markets across the State is ongoing under the Agro-Logistics programme, a subsector of RAAMP, supported by the World Bank and AFD. These interventions will reduce wastage and improve market access for rural farmers and enhance overall agricultural productivity.

Recognizing that finance is a major challenge for farmers, Governor Makinde, through the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State (ACCOS), approved and disbursed ₦1 billion in loans to farmers—a programme that is still ongoing. This intervention has enabled thousands of farmers to expand production, improve their standard of living, and invest in modern farming techniques.

Governor Makinde’s holistic approach to agricultural development—ranging from subsidies and input support to farmer training, infrastructure, and institutional strengthening—has set Oyo State on a progressive path toward achieving food security and positioning agriculture as a major driver of economic growth.

Adesoji Olusegun

Media Officer

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Oyo State

…tasks Contractors on quality delivery

The Oyo State Acting Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal on Thursday inspected ongoing Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) roads and physical improvement of markets across the State, calling on the Contractor handling the project to intensify efforts toward timely completion of the projects.

Lawal while speaking alongside the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Esther Owoeye, the Project Coordinator, Oyo RAAMP, Engr. Mrs. Olufunke Ekundayo and other top Government officials during the inspection, emphasized that quality delivery and timely completion of the projects are crucial to enhancing the next phase of the projects.

He noted that the RAAMP roads and market upgrades are part of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration’s commitment to improving rural infrastructure, boosting agricultural productivity, and creating a more conducive environment for farmers and traders.

According to him, successful completion of the projects will ease transportation of farm produce, improve market accessibility, and strengthen the State’s drive towards food security and economic development.

The Acting Governor further assured that the State Government remains committed to supporting contractors with the necessary backing to ensure the projects are delivered to standard and on schedule.

Speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, expressed satisfaction with the level of work done so far.

He assured that the Ministry will continue to monitor progress to ensure that the projects are delivered within the expected timeframe and at the required quality.

Commending the State Government’s efforts in connecting rural communities through improved road networks, a road user at Kunbi Village, along the Olowa–Ijaye Farm Settlement axis, Mr. Abdulrazaq Seriki, described the project as a great relief.

He explained that the road had long been a death trap, often hindering farmers from transporting their produce to markets.

The Acting Governor’s entourage inspected the Olokoyo–Ikere Dam Road (21.95 km) in Iseyin Local Government, the Oja Agbe Market, Iseyin, under the Agro-Logistics section of the project, as well as the Alako–Idiya–Batake–Olowa Ijaye Farm Settlement Road (31.7 km).

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State.