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As part of the celebration of the 2024 World Food Day, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, on Sunday led Oyo State farmers and officials of the ministry to the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan in commemorations of the day and prayers for farmers and policy makers on Agriculture.
Addressing the Church, the Honourable Commissioner said that the day was set aside by the United Nations to create awareness about hunger, nutrition and for the need to focus on agricultural policies, hinted that the year 2024 World Food Day is themed : “Right to Food for Better Life, and a Better Future”, maintained that oyo state government under the leadership of Engr Makinde will continue to support farmers and encourage individuals to contribute to food security.
The Commissioner emphasized that collective action is necessary to address hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.
Speaking on various ways in which the government had provided support to farmers, Olaleye explained that about 5,160 acres of farm land have been ploughed under 50% Tractorisation subsidy.
He added that farmers have received inputs in various capacity from Oyo state government, such as free distribution of maize to poultry farmers, arable farmers and many more.
Olasunkanmi hinted that going by the support received by the farmers in the state coupled with this year’s World Food Day, there is a need for us as government and farmers to give thanks to God and offer prayers to farmers, government, most especially our dear nation.
Unfolding the programme slated for this year World Food Day, the Commissioner revealed that the long week programme started with Jumat service on Friday 11th October, while today being Day 2 Special church Service, Monday 13th October, there will be Agbeloba fitness walk which all farmers will participate from the state secretariat to Oje market back to Secretariat, while Tuesday 15th, inauguration of Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee- OYSSCC at House of Chiefs Secretariat.
He added that on 16th October there will be a grand finale in which a paper presentation and official opening of exhibition of agricultural products by the Governor.
He therefore urged farmers across the state to participate actively in the global event.
Earlier, in his sermon titled “we are more than conquerors” from the bible text Romans chapter 8: 37, the Lord Bishop of Ibadan North and Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province of the Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend, Dr. Williams Aladekugbe (JP), said there is need for everyone to go back to farm by planting at least something at backyard. He therefore prayed for farmers, Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
Dignitries at the event were, Chairman of All Farmers Association, Mr Abass Adewunmi, National Deputy President, Rice Growers Association of Nigeria, Mr Victor Korede, Supervisors for Agriculture accross the 33 LGas, Directors of the ministry and many farmers.
Adesoji Olusegun.
Media Officer,
Min. Agric and Rural Dev.
Oyo State
