By Fatima Muraina

The coordinator of Agbeladun Agricultural Empowerment Non-governmental Organisation, has lauded the Ondo State Government for supporting farmers through practical training and the provision of agricultural inputs.

Speaking after a recent training session, Franklin said: “It was highly commendable, not just theoretical but a practical training session, which is the most effective approach. They even provided us with seedlings to begin propagation ourselves. I must give kudos to the governor for his continued support to farmers in Ondo State.”

He advised fellow farmers to make the most of the materials distributed, urging them to avoid waste.

“Farmers should collect and propagate the seedlings. Don’t sell them, don’t discard them, and don’t leave them to rot. Use them wisely so that the government will be encouraged to do even more in the future,” he said.

He also called on cluster groups to ensure they establish farms to replicate the seedlings locally, reducing dependence on external sources like IITA for future supply.

Similarly, Mujidat Alade, a representative of the Farmers’ Congress in Ondo West Local Government, expressed her appreciation.

“I thank God for this kind of training and I’m truly grateful to the government. This sort of initiative is vital and should continue. I’m particularly pleased that the seedlings were distributed at no cost,” she said.

“I pray that Ondo State continues to progress,” she added.

However, Alade raised concerns about non-farmers attempting to benefit from the programme, appealing to authorities to ensure only genuine farmers receive such support.

“We urge our representatives to identify and remove those who are not farmers but are trying to take advantage. Real farmers should be the ones benefiting from these efforts,” she stated.

She also appealed to the government to provide funding to enable farmers to carry out their activities effectively.