Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that his government will not relent in its effort to boost food security and safe functioning of the food supply chain in the state.
He maintained that the government has taken several steps to promote agriculture and ensure food security in the state, including providing support to thousands of smallholder farmers and farmers’ associations.
The governor stated this on Wednesday, at an event organised in commemoration of the 2024 World Food Day, held at the Parliament Building, Oyo State House of Assembly, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde, who spoke through the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, promised that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment for agricultural businesses to thrive, thereby increasing food security and safe functioning of the food supply chain.
He added that the government will also continue to support research-driven agricultural businesses for the promotion of economic development and growth in the sector.
The governor equally called on all stakeholders in the agriculture and food sector to complement the efforts of the government in promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste and ensuring equitable access to nutritious food, in order to achieve a better and more sustainable food future in Oyo State.
Noting the importance of the fundamental human right to food, the governor pledged more support to farmers across the state, saying that he would ensure that the theme for this year’s World Food Day, “right to food for a better life and better future,” becomes a reality.
The governor explained that the theme serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to address issues of food insecurity and malnutrition.
He urged all stakeholders in the agribusiness and food production and supply sector to adopt climate-resilient practices and innovative technologies to invest in sustainable agri-food systems.
Presenting his paper on the theme for the year, a research professor from the Institute of Agriculture, Research and Training (IAR&T), Professor Samuel Olakojo, said access to food is a necessity for every individual, stressing that its availability in abundance is the main right for survival.
He charged the government to form and implement policies against climate change, insecurity, and make friendlier agricultural policies to include road infrastructure, credit facilities, periodic monitoring of farmers and curbing wastage of perishable farm produce.
In his remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and member representing Ibarapa North/Central state constituency, Honourable Peter Ojedokun, urged all farmers in the state to intensify efforts in producing quality farm produce for consumers.
He maintained that doing so would subdue poverty, hunger and promote healthy diets in the state.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Christianah Abioye, said the World Food Day presented another opportunity to appreciate Governor Makinde’s support to farmers in the state.
She noted that the governor’s support has helped to ensure food sufficiency and also to find sustainable solutions to the problems of food security and poverty.
The event had in attendance representatives of farmers’ associations from the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, the leadership of the farmers’ association in the state and the Baale Agbe-in-council, among others.