The Oyo State Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP) beneficiaries have applauded Governor Seyi Makinde for his commitment to youth empowerment and agricultural transformation in the state.

These beneficiaries, who received training at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State through government sponsorship, expressed gratitude for their continued support, particularly under the Oyo N-Cares farm input distribution initiative.

The initiative, implemented by the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), is part of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES) Result Area 2 program, targeting vulnerable farmers across all local government areas in the state.

During the launch of the 5th distribution phase in Afijio Local Government Area, Dr. Debo Akande, Director General of OYSADA, emphasised the significance of the distributed items, such as fertilisers, seedlings, and herbicides, in driving the state’s productivity in the agriculture sector. 

He attributed these gains to Governor Makinde’s visionary agribusiness policies. 

In Oyo East Local Government, Kolade Kehinde, speaking on behalf of the YEAP beneficiaries, commended the governor’s dedication:

“Engr. Seyi Makinde is a visionary leader and a father figure to many of us. From our training in Nasarawa to this stage, where we receive essential inputs to grow our farms, the journey has been impactful. We are also undergoing mentorship to ensure we apply these resources effectively.”

Kehinde also dismissed claims that YEAP participants were abandoned after their training, revealing that First City Monument Bank (FCMB) had contacted and inspected their farms for financial support facilitated by the state government.

The Executive Chairman of Oyo East, Hon. Peter Oluokun, represented by key officials, praised the initiative and urged recipients to use the inputs provided effectively.

In Oyo West Local Government, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Akeem Salami Olukitibi, received the OYSADA team and praised Governor Makinde’s efforts:

“Oyo West has benefited immensely from the governor’s agribusiness drive. In Fashola, we now have nearly ten functioning agro-allied factories. This is unprecedented, not just in Oyo State, but nationally.”

He also projected a rise in cassava and soybean production, citing expanded access to local and international markets as a game changer for farmers.

Similar appreciation was recorded in Surulere, Atisbo, and Ogooluwa local government areas, where enthusiastic farmers and political leaders welcomed the OYSADA delegation.

Traditional leaders graced the event in Oyo East, lending further credibility and support to the initiative. Notable among them were Chiefs Adekunle Teslim (Baale Olori), Adeleke Basir (Loogun Alaafin of Oyo), and High Chief David Ademola Oyediran (Alaguo of Aguo, Oyo), alongside other respected monarchs and women leaders.

Source: Western Mirror

Images: Oyo Truth