Prof. Abdulraheem Afonja, a former Oyo Commissioner for Works and Transport, has empowered farmers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state with over N5m for yam seedlings.
Afonja said the gesture was part of his continued efforts to assist farmers with inputs as raining season commences considering challenges facing them due to economic hardship.
He stated that the empowerment will not only complement efforts of Oyo State Government on food security but also enhance agricultural productivity in the Oriire LGA and Ogbomoso zone at large.
According to Afonja, when it comes to welfare of the people of Oyo state, there are five important basic things that must be the priority of any incoming government.
They include security, health, education, economy and social welfare of the elderly, children and retirees, he stated.
He said: “Every one of these areas must be tackled head-on for us to liberate our people from poverty and create prosperity. Without a secured state, none of those other four God-given basic needs can be met. That means the economy will suffer and investors will not invest in our dearest state.
“As a farmer in Orire Local Government Area, I have interacted with so many of the farmers, and they need help. The bank is not willing to give loans because they don’t have collateral and when they do, they will be asking for arms and legs. I understand what the farmer are passing through, and I understand their plight and their challenges in getting money to support their farming activities.
“I also understand the threat of losing everything to herders after putting all they have in their planting season. So many uncertainties that they have to face on daily basis. However, I have been supporting the local government area in terms of infrastructure (grading of their rural roads), and in terms of security especially my security outfit, OPC, and Agro rangers have continued to partner to protect the interest of farmers in Orire Local Government.
“As a journalist, you can confirm all these things. I have always said that the government cannot do it alone.
This is why in the past, I’ve graded some of the farm roads in Orire and now I’m giving them money to support this upcoming planting season.”
Bamikole Ezekiel expressed gratitude to Afonja, speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, stating that the yam seedlings will increase productivity during the planting season.
