By Adedotun Ajayi

The Ondo State Farmers’ Congress has thrown its support behind Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, APC’s gubernatorial candidate, in the upcoming election, endorsing his leadership and commitment to agriculture in the state.

The endorsement came during the unveiling of a N10 billion mixed-use housing project and the inauguration of new Congress executives at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade in Akure on Friday.

Farmers from all 18 local government areas rallied behind Aiyedatiwa, commending his impact on agricultural development.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Ondo State Farmers’ Congress, Monilari Abayomi, praised Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to advancing agriculture, crediting his administration with fostering innovation and progress.

Abayomi highlighted key achievements, including the recent establishment of Africa’s largest goat breeding facility, positioning Ondo as a leader in sustainable livestock farming and creating jobs across the state.

Abayomi also underscored the importance of the N10 billion housing project unveiled at the event, aimed at providing critical infrastructure like community centres and training facilities to support farmers and drive productivity.

Additionally, he pledged the Congress’s commitment to mobilising 450,000 votes for Aiyedatiwa, confident that his second term would bring further growth to Ondo’s agricultural sector.

He also called for the urgent reinstatement of the Cocoa Development Fund to support essential programmes for local farmers.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, responding to the endorsement, expressed gratitude to the Congress and reaffirmed his administration’s respect for the farming community.

Recognising farmers’ role in economic stability, he assured them that their contributions would never be overlooked.

He outlined ongoing projects, including rural-urban road improvements across the three senatorial districts to ease farmers’ market access and facilitate produce transport.

He also highlighted investments in storage facilities, mechanised farming, and affordable inputs as measures to strengthen productivity and food security.

Aiyedatiwa urged farmers to vote for continuity, emphasising that a renewed mandate would allow his government to further its developmental agenda.

He assured them that with their support, his administration is poised to build a brighter future for the agricultural sector and ensure the prosperity of Ondo State.