By Fatima Muraina
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The Ondo State government has reaffirmed its readiness to support Agbeladun Empowerment NGO, which has provided agricultural inputs to Akoko farmers to cultivate over 6,000 tomato seedlings.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Mr. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola, gave this assurance during the first-year anniversary celebration and opening of the Agbeladun administrative office in Akure.
Akinsola, who was represented by his Senior Technical Assistant, Mr. Olushola Omole, pledged support for the organisation and emphasised considering it for all available opportunities within the state.
Expressing satisfaction with Agbeladun’s commitment, Akinsola announced the introduction of cluster farming next year to promote year-round farming, enabling farmers to maximise their earnings.
He urged tomato farmers in the state to prioritise the use of data as a vital tool for determining the best planting and harvesting times to meet favourable market conditions.
“We are introducing programmes that will assist farmers in Ondo State. We will ensure that all agricultural programmes available at the federal level are brought to Ondo State to help our farmers thrive,” he said.
The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tayo Oluwatuyi, represented by the Administrative Secretary of the Political and Economic Affairs Department, Omotayo Akeju, commended Agbeladun’s efforts in training youths and advancing agriculture, describing them as complementary to the government’s initiatives in the agricultural sector.
The SSG reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance food security and empower farmers. He assured the government’s readiness to back the group in achieving greater impacts on food sufficiency.
The Royal Father of Agbeladun Agricultural Empowerment, Oba Oloye Rotimi, the Olujigba of Ijigba Kingdom, urged the government to repair and revamp farm settlement centres to realise its agricultural development goals. He noted that while government agricultural programmes are commendable, their full potential can only be achieved through the revitalisation of these centres.
Earlier, the Chairman of Agbeladun, Mr. Olushola Franklin Fadoju, acknowledged the dedication of the Agbeladun team and its partners, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to fostering agricultural growth through inclusivity and sustainability.
Reflecting on the organisation’s journey, he cited major achievements such as training over 2,000 farmers and establishing a 20-hectare cassava farm as evidence of its mission to transform agriculture.