The Oyo State Government has commended the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Oluwatobi Olufade, for his efforts to promote food security and food safety in the council despite its largely urban setting and limited availability of farmland.
The commendation was conveyed by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, who represented the Oyo State Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, during his inspection of the Ibadan North Local Government pavilion at the grand finale of the Oyo World Food Day celebration organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, held at the Western Hall, House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan, under the theme: “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.”
Speaking during the inspection, Barrister Olaleye said: “Ibadan North Local Government is an urban and highly developed area, but Hon. Olufade has made deliberate efforts to ensure that the council does not abandon agriculture. I commend you because you understand the importance of farming.”
The Commissioner’s commendation reflects broader commitment of Hon. Olufade’s administration’s in improving agricultural productivity, supporting smallholder farmers, strengthening food security in his council.
The World Food Day celebration brought together government officials, farmers groups, exhibitors, agricultural stakeholders and members of the public to showcase agricultural outputs and celebrate the contributions of farmers to food production and economic development.
The programme highlighted the importance of innovation, research, technology and sustainable agricultural practices in building resilient food systems and ensuring access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food for all citizens. The celebration also featured exhibitions of locally produced agricultural commodities, while farmers demonstrated practical innovations and value-added products from across the State.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Taiwo Adebola, Leader of the Legislative Chamber, who led the council’s delegation, praised the resilience and dedication of farmers. She said: “My dear farmers and good people of Ibadan North Local Government, on this occasion of World Food Day, I celebrate our hardworking farmers who feed our homes, sustain our markets and drive the economy of our dear council. Your sweat and dedication on the farm are the true wealth of Ibadan North Local Government. Without you, there can be no food security and no prosperity.”
Hon. Adebola further reaffirmed the commitment of the Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade-led administration to the welfare of farmers and the advancement of agricultural development in Ibadan North Local Government. She urged residents to embrace both food security and food safety, explaining that food security means ensuring the availability of food for everyone, at all times and at affordable prices, while food safety requires the consumption of clean and hygienic food free from harmful germs and chemicals. “The administration of Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade remains committed to your welfare. We will continue to support you. I urge all residents to embrace food security and food safety. I wish you all a happy World Food Day celebration,” she said.
The Ibadan North Local Government delegation included the Councillor representing Ward 5 and Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Hammed Ajayi; the Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Bala Muhammad; the Director of Agriculture, Mrs. Adeola Akanni; other directors; and the Baale Agbe of Ibadan North Local Government, Chief Wahab Aiki, who led the various farmers’ groups in the council.
