The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Friday, flagged off the distribution of fertilizers to famers across the State.
Addressing the gathering at the Agric warehouse, Oke-eda, Akure, the State capital, the Governor said "My good people of Ondo State, it is in our collaborative efforts towards combating hunger, that we are gathered here again to flag-off the distribution of 5,520 bags of NPK 20-10-10; 4,140 bags of NPK 27-13-13; 4,140 bags of NPK 15-15-15 and 4,200 bags of Urea fertilisers to farmers across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State".
According to the Governor, food insecurity is a serious problem that has to be tackled with all seriousness and can only be achieved when all hands are on deck and through interventions that will boost food production at various levels.
The Governor said "It is no longer news that there is hunger in the land as our farmers are finding it difficult to go to their farms. Hence, there is the need to provide security and build the capacity of our farmers, through provision of certain facilities and infrastructure that will equip and assist them in increasing their yield and production. I want to assure you all that our administration will leave no stone unturned to mitigate these challenges and provide food security for our people".
The Governor identified several factors contributing to food scarcity, including insecurity, lack of financing, poor road networks, climate change, urbanization, and limited access to farmland.
To address these challenges, Aiyedatiwa highlighted several government initiatives. "We have undertaken the construction of rural roads through the Agency for Rural Access for Agricultural and Marketing Project (RAAMP), including the Oda – Cocoa Camp and Idanre – Bajare Roads," he noted.
The Governor appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide fertilisers to all states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, noting that it is the right thing to do to increase food production.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, however, warned that distribution of these fertilisers should not wear any political, religious or ethnic colouration. It must be distributed fairly to all 18 LGAs and in transparent manner, stressing that they are NOT for sale.
"It is our belief that together we will combat this hydraheaded menace in our society by providing food security for our people", he concluded.
Earlier in his address, the Senior Special Assistant on Agric and Agribusiness who is also the Chairman, Committee on Agriculture and good security, Mr Rotimi Akinsola stated that each local government leaders must ensure that the resources is benefitting to those who needed it most.
The beneficiaries in their happy mood appreciated the Governor for prioritizing the welfare of the farmers, promising to make use of the fertilizers judiciously.
In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, State Commisoner for Agriculture and forestry, Hon. Olayato Aribo, members of Ondo State House of Assembly led by the Chairman, House commitee on Agriculture, Hon. Morenike Witherspoon, among other top government officials.
