In a significant step towards bolstering Nigeria’s food security program, Engr. David Ayodele Asalu has partnered with the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria to empower no fewer than 200 farmers across selected local government areas in Osun State.
The empowerment, which took place on Wednesday in Ejigbo, was strategically designed to aid grassroots farmers.
Vital farm equipment such as fertilizers and chemicals were distributed to farmers in Ede North, Ede South, Ejigbo and Egbebore Federal constituency.
Speaking on behalf of the facilitator, Hon. Bade Falade stated that the initiative was focused on amplifying food productivity by boosting the capacity of local farmers.
He said, “the distribution of farm equipment, including fertilizers and chemicals, is anticipated to significantly increase food production, aligning perfectly with the goals of the Federal government’s food security program.
“The empowerment is geared towards the end-users of these products, which are the grassroots farmers in Ede North, Ede South, Ejigbo, and the Egbebore Federal constituency,” stated Hon. Falade Ajibade, emphasizing the impact of the initiative at the local level.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Falade encouraged them to put the distributed equipment to effective use, in order to enhance their agricultural output and supporting the broader goal of food security in Nigeria.
Mr. Arutu Nurudeen, standing in for Dr. Adebola Patrick, the Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, commended Asaou’s commitment to the welfare of the masses.
He noted that empowering farmers in Osun State is a step towards enhancing their productivity.
Speaking about the broader context of food security, he emphasized the importance of starting at the grassroots level to address the national issue, urging the beneficiaries to use the resources judiciously.
Prince Ademola Ajiboye, Chairman of the Farmers Association of Nigeria in Ejigbo Local Government, shared his appreciation for Asalu’s initiative. He underlined how the empowerment programme had provided invaluable insights to farmers, adding that it will help them improve the quality of their agricultural products. He also called upon farmers to continue their diligent efforts and appealed to the Federal Government to support them in the cultivation and marketing of cash crops.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Anike Samuel, expressed gratitude towards the facilitator and pledged to leverage the provided tools to enhance her farm’s output.
She encouraged fellow beneficiaries to make optimal use of the farming equipment for maximum benefit.
Alhaji Muhammed Ganiyu, a beneficiary from Egbedore Local Government, shared his excitement about the initiative and extended his appreciation to Engr. Asalu for the transformative endeavor.
As the collaboration between Engr. Asalu and the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria continues, the empowerment of farmers is expected to play a vital role in boosting agricultural production, thus contributing to the nation’s food security and overall development.
