Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has given the go-ahead for the recruitment of agricultural extension officers and veterinary doctors to enhance agricultural development in the state.
According to The PUNCH, this decision was made public during the inauguration of the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee, held at the House of Chiefs within the State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The announcement was detailed in a statement from the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, and highlighted that the recruitment initiative would cover all 33 local government areas of Oyo State, reflecting the administration’s commitment to enhancing the agricultural sector across the board.
Additionally, Makinde disclosed plans to establish model farm service centres in key zones of the state.
These centres will serve as hubs for improving farming practices, providing extension services, and distributing vital agricultural resources.
The governor also confirmed the procurement of motorcycles for extension officers, aimed at increasing their mobility and efficiency in rural areas where their services are most needed.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olaleye Olasunkanmi, the governor emphasized that agriculture remains central to the state’s economic growth, poverty alleviation, and food security efforts.
He pointed out that his administration continues to implement agricultural policies designed to improve food production and elevate the standard of living for the state’s residents.
A key part of this strategy, Makinde revealed, is the provision of N1 billion in soft agricultural loans, which have already begun benefiting farmers across the state.
The Governor noted that more than 1,000 farmers had already availed themselves of the 50% tractorisation subsidy, which has seen over 6,000 acres of land prepared for cultivation.
Looking ahead to the 2025 farming season, he shared that the subsidy programme will be expanded, with a target of preparing 16,000 acres for farmers.
The Governor also highlighted the resuscitation of the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee, a key step aimed at boosting agricultural productivity.
He stressed that the committee would play a critical role in ensuring farmers have access to improved, high-quality seeds and agricultural technologies, which will be vital in enhancing yields and achieving food security.
In his remarks to the committee members, Makinde urged them to approach their duties with dedication, focusing on increasing agricultural output and supporting the welfare of farmers in the state.
“The governor has graciously approved this new Committee to make it all-encompassing, with the objectives of seed multiplication extending to crop cultivation, livestock farming, agro-allied, and other activities that can affect agriculture positively,” the governor stated.
He also encouraged the committee to collaborate with both public and private sector stakeholders to ensure the production of certified quality seeds and the scaling-up of farm mechanization.
Makinde emphasized, “As a member of this committee, you are hereby chosen for your expertise and dedication. Your role is crucial in enhancing seed quality both in crop and livestock production, improving farmers’ livelihoods, and promoting security. You are to promote food security by increasing agricultural production.”
Notable figures from the state’s farming community also shared their thoughts during the event.
Chairman of the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria in Oyo State, Adewumi Abbas, and the representative of Baale Agbe, Akande Moshood, praised the governor for his continuous efforts to empower farmers through various support initiatives.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Christiana Abioye, earlier explained that the Seed Coordinating Committee, which comprises key players in the seed industry, would focus on planning the state’s annual seed needs, ensuring timely distribution to farmers, and streamlining access to other critical inputs.
