By Fatima Muraina

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The Ondo State Government has reiterated its commitment to prioritising agriculture, economic growth, and food security.

To this end, it has challenged the Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA) to boost agricultural production and ensure food sufficiency in the state.

The State Government made this declaration at the 10th anniversary celebration of OSACA, held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Olajide Adelami, stated that his administration had prioritised and recognised the agricultural sector as a key driver of economic growth and food security upon assuming office.

“In this regard, within our few months in office, we have established a formidable State Committee on Agriculture and Food Security,” he said.

“It is our hope that through agriculture, we can propel growth and development in both urban and rural areas by providing employment opportunities for our teeming youth, lifting people out of poverty, and improving their socio-economic well-being.”

“Our administration will therefore continue to support initiatives like OSACA, which empower farmers and enhance agricultural productivity,” he further stated.

While commending OSACA for promoting capacity building, market access, and economic development in the state, he encouraged the association to actively participate in the ongoing development agenda.

He also assured farmers of the government’s continuous support through the provision of inputs, tools, and equipment.

He urged OSACA’s leadership to remain innovative and collaborative in advancing agricultural progress.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mrs. Foluke Daramola, appreciated the leadership of the association for their partnership in advancing the state’s agricultural sector. She acknowledged their relevance in society, particularly through their collaboration with commodities associations that have benefited from the Ministry’s support.

Also speaking, the State Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Hakeem Ogundeko, congratulated OSACA and affirmed that the Federal Government would continue to collaborate with the association and farmers, especially in distributing inputs and other agricultural benefits.

The representative of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture (SSA), Mr. Femi Iwajomo, acknowledged OSACA’s positive contributions and encouraged them to intensify their efforts.

He assured that the Ondo State Agricultural and Economic Council (OSAEC) would continue to work in partnership with OSACA for the advancement of agriculture in the state.

The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, who was represented by the Ojomu of Akure Kingdom, High Chief Folorunso Fulani, emphasised the importance of agriculture in ensuring food supply across the country.

He congratulated OSACA on its 10-year anniversary and urged them to rededicate themselves to meeting food security expectations.

He expressed concern over declining cocoa production and called on farmers to revive its cultivation to restore its former glory, highlighting the need for diversification to increase the state’s GDP.

Earlier, the State Chairman of OSACA, Chief Abiodun Adejo, declared that the association had made significant strides in boosting agricultural productivity, expanding market access, and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.

He praised the visionaries, leaders, and dedicated members who have worked tirelessly to grow the association.

In a brief presentation, the immediate past State Chairman of OSACA, Mr. Gbenga Obaweya, explained that the association was founded out of necessity, in response to a breakdown in the relationship between farmers and the government between 2011 and 2015, during a period of serious controversy in the agricultural sector.

Farmers from various groups highlighted their challenges and appealed for government intervention. These requests included improved security, funding, land provision, processing hubs, inputs, marketing support, amphibious tractors for fish farming, tractors for mechanisation, accessible roads, and more.

The occasion also featured the presentation of awards to individuals who had contributed significantly to the development of the association.