…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.

The Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, on behalf of the Executive Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, paid an inspection visit to some of the ongoing Oyo RAAMP road construction projects, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects before 2027.

The Deputy Governor was accompanied by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye; the State Project Coordinator, Mrs. Adeola Ekundayo; and other key stakeholders.

The inspection covered two major project sites; Okudu–Oyada–FRSC Road, spanning 8.24km, located within Atisbo and Saki West local government areas, Oloko–Oyo–Orita Aloba Road, of 21.953km, situated in Iseyin Local Government Area.

Adesoji Olusegun O.
Development Communication Officer,
Oyo RAAMP.

It was a joyful and spirit-filled event as the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in Oyo State, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, joined other dignitaries at the 2025 Thanksgiving Service of St. Peter and the second edition of the Cathedral Harvest Launch, held at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan.

The event also had in attendance the Chairman of the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA), Hon. Busoye Ogunlade; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye; and directors from the Ministry.

In his remarks as Chairman of the occasion, Barrister Olaleye expressed gratitude to the church leadership for the opportunity to be part of the special celebration. He urged the congregation and citizens of Oyo State to continually pray for the success of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, which he described as transformational and people-oriented.

“Governor Makinde has remained committed to the holistic development of Oyo State and has left no stone unturned in improving key sectors, especially agriculture,” Olaleye stated.

He highlighted the Governor’s impactful agricultural policies, particularly the 50% tractorization initiative, which has empowered farmers to cultivate more land, contributing to lower food prices in Oyo State compared to neighboring States.

Barrister Olaleye added that beyond tractorization, the Government has continued to support farmers with training, inputs, access to markets, and rural road infrastructure, all of which are aimed at improving rural livelihoods and achieving food sufficiency.

Also speaking at the event, the Most Reverend Williams Oluwarotimi, who delivered a sermon titled “Let the Fire Fall”, emphasized that fire symbolizes God’s presence and divine intervention. He encouraged the people to remain steadfast in prayers, trusting that with God’s involvement, every unpalatable situation would be turned around for good. He called for continued prayers for Governor Makinde to finish his term strong and well.

Other notable guests at the event included the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Abioye, who served as Chairperson of the occasion, and Sir Olumide Alabi, Branch Manager, Intercontinental Distillers Limited, who was the Special Guest of Honour.

Adesoji Olusegun

Media Officer,

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Oyo State.

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.

As part of its efforts to support smallholder farmers in the State in the 2025 farming season, the Oyo State Government has announced the commencement of the second phase of the 50 per cent land ploughing subsidy, known as the Tractorisation Policy.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, stated this during a press conference held at the Ministry, on Thursday.

He noted that, as a result of the massive support that the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde administration has been giving to farmers, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently declared Oyo as the one of the State with the lowest food inflation rates in the country.

The commissioner also said the State can also boast of having become one of the food baskets of the country.

According to him, more than 9,569 tonnes of cassava, representing about 300 trailers, were moved out of Ibarapa Zone of Oyo State only into neighbouring States between December 2024 and March 2025.

Also speaking, Chairman, Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State (ACCOS), Sheik Taofeek Azeez Akeugbagold, said smaller holders can access Agriculture credit and loans from the corporation.

The Agriculture credit and loan facilities, he declared, were apart from the 50 per cent tractorisation policy, which was designed to help the farmers.

He lauded Governor Makinde for taking genuine interest in the development of Agriculture and the well-being of the teeming farming population in the State.

Similarly, Barrister Olaleye, hailed Governor Makinde for approving the continuation of the 50 per cent tractorisation policy, which began in 2024.

He noted that the policy represented the Governor’s commitment to progressive and sustainable Agricultural development.

He maintained that the State Government was able to reach about 1,487 smallholder farmers directly through the programme in 2024, with about 6,090.91 acres of farmlands mechanically ploughed across the State.

The commissioner said that, as a result of the policy, the State witnessed significant increases in productivity per hectare due to proper land preparation, as many small and medium-scale farmers transitioned from manual to mechanical farming methods.

According to Olaleye, the policy entailed the State Government paying for 50 per cent of the cost of ploughing, with the smallholder farmers only paying half the cost of the entire land they want to cultivate.

He explained that the State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has designated, at least, four extension officers to each of the 33 local Government areas of the State.

He called on the smallholder farmers to approach the officers, who would visit their proposed farm sites, take the measurements and send necessary information to the ministry.

He said: “It is my pleasure to address you today on the continuation of our landmark 50 per cent Tractorisation Subsidy Programme as we prepare for the 2025 planting season.

“Last year, Oyo State, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, took a bold step to revolutionise farming by introducing the 50 per cent Tractorisation Subsidy Programme.

“I am proud to report the tangible results of this initiative: A remarkable 6,090.91 acres of farmlands were mechanically ploughed across the State; 1,487 farmers directly benefited from this programme, transforming their Agricultural practices.

“These achievements reflect the successful implementation of His Excellency’s vision of Agricultural transformation as a pathway to economic development.

“As we commence the second phase of this programme, I am pleased to announce several important developments:

“On April 9, the State’s Agricultural Extension Workers completed specialised training conducted by “Hello Tractor,” our technical partner in this initiative.

“This training will equip all the extension officers with the latest knowledge and skills to better support our farmers.

“During the training, participants were introduced to the new online booking application that will streamline tractor services.

“This user-friendly platform will allow smallholder farmers to book tractor services conveniently, track the status of their requests and receive timely updates on service delivery.

“Additionally, a dedicated helpline has been established to provide immediate assistance to farmers facing any challenges with the booking process or service delivery.

“Under the tractorisation programme, the Oyo State Government will continue to subsidise 50 per cent of the cost of mechanical ploughing services for every acre of farmland cultivated by our farmers.

“This means that for every acre mechanically ploughed, farmers will only pay half the cost, with the Government covering the remaining 50 per cent.

“I wish to inform all farmers in Oyo State that registration for the 2025 Tractorisation Subsidy Programme is now open.

“Farmers can register through Agricultural extension officers in all local Government areas, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Headquarters and the new online booking application already demonstrated.

“For those who want to participate in the Tractorisation subsidy, the form is free. And if you don’t get the form, just approach the extension officers in your local Government.

“Take them to your farm so that they can take the measurement. Once they upload it, we have our own gadgets here which we can use to see your farm immediately.

“While we deploy tractors, all the ones we are deploying are being tracked so that when they are working on your farmland, we will be able to monitor them from our office here. So, nobody can cheat the system.

“This initiative exemplifies Governor Makinde’s commitment to Agricultural transformation.

“By reducing the cost of land preparation through mechanisation while providing climate information, we are addressing significant barriers to increased Agricultural productivity.

“I call on all smallholder farmers in Oyo State to take advantage of this opportunity.

“With our target to exceed last year’s achievement of 6,090.91 acres and reach even more than the 1,487 farmers who benefited previously, this administration is determined to make 2025 a breakthrough year for agriculture in the State.

“The 50 percent Tractorisation Subsidy Programme represents His Excellency’s commitment to progressive and sustainable Agricultural development.

“As we prepare for the 2025 planting season, we are confident that this initiative will continue to transform the Agricultural landscape of our dear State.

“Also, in our commitment to sustainable farming practices, I am pleased to announce that we have also facilitated a “Train the Trainer” session on the downscaling of Seasonal Climate Prediction for 2025, presented by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

“This climate information will be crucial for our farmers to make informed decisions on planting dates, select appropriate crop varieties, implement suitable agronomic practices and mitigate climate-related risks to their farms.

“Our extension officers will then disseminate this valuable climate information to smallholder farmers across all Agricultural zones in the State.”

The commissioner declared that the State Government will not relent towards ensuring that food prices continue to go down.

“Last year, 40,000 kilogrammes of maize seeds were distributed. We equally distributed more than 65,000 bundles of cassava stems to close to 3,000 farmers in the State.

“We carried out free vaccination for thousands of cattle to support people in animal husbandry in the State. We also gave fish feeds, pig feeds and all that.

“The fallout of all these supports was what we received from the NBS in February that Oyo State recorded one of the lowest food inflation rates in the country. This is just because of all the support the Government has been giving to farmers in the State,” Olaleye added.

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.