By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
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The Ondo House of Assembly has said that it will continue to support agricultural intervention programmes in the state to sustain food security.
The Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Taofik Mohammed who made the promise during an oversight visit to the State Ministry of Agriculture noted that Governor Akeredolu’s passion to ensure food security in the state deserves commendation.
According to him, the challenge of hunger amid vast opportunities in the agricultural sector makes it essential for leaders to take the bull by the horns and develop the sector.
Mohammed said most of the programmes initiated by the present administration had created jobs for the youths and empowered women thus reducing poverty.
The lawmaker who said that the legislature shares the vision of the executive to make the state produce enough food for her citizens, assured of budgetary support and laws that will promote agri-business in the state.
He appreciated the management of the Ministry for providing support for farmers to cultivate and increase the supply of vegetables and staple foods in the state.
Other members called for synergy between them to achieve the set goals.
They described agriculture as the driving force for economic development hence the need for all to show interest in it.
Earlier,the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry ,Mr. Sunday Akintomide while thanking the committee for performing its legislative duties effectively, informed them about their challenges and activities.
The PS noted that the target was to ensure food sufficiency in the state as well as maximise all opportunities in the agricultural sector for economic development.
He maintained that the sector will continue to generate revenue for the state through massive cultivation of crops such as cocoa, coconut, palm fruits ,among others
He sought the committee’s support to help the ministry achieve more success.
