Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured farmers in the state of necessary support that will enhance their farming activities and make them more productive.

Aiyedatiwa gave this assurance during a meeting with farmers and the state government on Friday.

The Governor, who was represented by the Chairman of Agric and Food Security, Wemimo Akinsola, noted that the meeting was held to bring farmers in the state together to find out what their challenges are and how the state government can assist them.

He added that all the security operatives, including vigilantes, are involved in the protection of the lives and properties of the farmers. He also enjoined traditional rulers to take the issue of security seriously in their communities.

He charged the farmers in Ondo State to be more proactive in their farming, describing them as suppliers of food to the nation.

Mr. Eniola Ilori Ogunbodede, Managing Director of Global Labod Resources Limited, opined that security is a collective effort of everyone and appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for taking security matters seriously.

He added that the meeting with the farmers was to identify their challenges and let them know that the government is solidly behind them.

He urged the farmers to support Governor Aiyedatiwa in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in November 2024.

Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Otunba Ayodele Adeleye, said Governor Aiyedatiwa has placed so much importance on farmers, assuring them not to be afraid anymore as there is adequate security for them because the Governor doesn’t joke with their safety.

“It is your time of ease. The Governor is not happy with your sufferings; therefore, he’s looking for ways to make you comfortable.”

According to him, the land allocated to them belongs to them, and if they see any unknown faces, they should report them to the appropriate authority.

He urged the farmers to plant only what they are asked to plant and not illegal things like weed, and also, they should continue to preach the good works of Governor Aiyedatiwa.

The State Chairman of NURTW, Comrade Ademola Odudu, encouraged them to report anyone who disturbs their work on the farm.

He added that the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa is very passionate about farmers and their safety.

Mr. Olaniran Kikiowo noted that Ondo State is ranked among the states with the most expensive food commodities in Nigeria and that one of the things affecting Ondo farmers is security.

He added that the Governor has met with different stakeholders to seek cooperation in order to ensure the safety of farmers.

He assured the farmers that their challenges would be greatly addressed, urging them not to base their plantations on one crop. They should endeavor to plant what they can eat themselves, and they should not hesitate to approach officials whenever the need arises.

Chief Albert Ewerinde, who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, described the program as timely and expressed his gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa for putting farmers in mind and making their safety his priority. He added that they should make the meeting with farmers a frequent one. They also pledged their support for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration.