By Fatima Muraina

|

The Ondo State Government has reiterated its commitment to continually empower interested youths in agriculture to make them employers of labour.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Olayato Aribo stated this while playing host to members, Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture who were on familiarization tour to the Ministry in Akure, the state capital.

Mr. Aribo said that agriculture remains the most viable means of ending poverty and hunger in the society if necessary machinery are put in place, stressing that the state government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is ready to support and encourage people, especially the youth to go into agriculture.

The Commissioner informed the committee members of various intervention programmes in operation in the ministry, which he described as successful, saying many youths and women have been trained, empowered and some are employers of labour in their chosen fields.

He added that the intervention programmes such as FADAMA/N CARES, L.PRESS, IFAD, ADP among others are laudable initiatives that have gone a long way to impact positively in the living standard of the beneficiaries.

He, therefore solicited the support of the lawmakers  in moving the agricultural sector  to the next level for the betterment of the people.

Earlier in her remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture,

 Atinuke Witherspoon appreciated the ministry, especially the management and staff for coming out in their large numbers to receive them, saying such gesture showed that there is perfect working relationship among the management of the ministry, which she described as commendable.

 Witherspoon sought the cooperation of staff of the ministry so as to achieve the desired objectives, adding, that they are representing the people at the house, hence the need to record landmark achievements.

She added that the committee will give the ministry all necessary supports during budget defence and other matters in the agriculture sector.

The Committee chair stressed that they were in the ministry to familiarize themselves with the ministry in other to prepare them for oversight functions, which is the main purpose of the committee.

Members of the committee on the visit were; Hon. Atinuke Witherspoon, chairman, Hon. Akindolani Nelson Akinsuroju, vice chairman, Hon. Murtala Suleiman, Hon. Felix Afe, Hon. Temitope Akomolafe Hon. (Ch.)Olatunji Oshati, Hon. Tope Akeem Agbulu.

Others include; Hon. Moyinolorun Taiwo Ogunwumiju, Hon. Samuel Olatunji Ifabiyi, Hon. John Biola Oladapo and Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi.