Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, has reaffirmed the Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s commitment to food security, emphasizing agricultural development as a top priority.
The Deputy Governor made this disclosure on Thursday during a courtesy call with officials from the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) at the SSG Conference Hall.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to agricultural development and its allocation of a significant budget to the sector, utilizing the state’s extensive land resources.
According to Barr. Lawal, with adequate land available across 33 local governments and urban centers, the state has already allocated 3,500 acres of land for agricultural development, in response to ICMPD’s request.
The Deputy Governor commended the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) officials for planning to engage about 7000 youths in their projects, alongside returnee immigrants, noting that it will create employment.
He added that the state government will continue to boost agricultural development, assuring that they will review any memorandum presented by the officials together, fostering a collaborative approach to advancing the state’s agricultural sector.
Barr. Lawal however urged ICMPD officials to feel comfortable in Oyo State and ensure to visit IITA, highlighting the state’s hospitality and Ibadan’s reputation as a peaceful area with historical significance, being the first state with radio station, television, and other landmarks in Nigeria.
Led by Monica Bannite from Belgium, the ICMPD officials expressed delight in partnering with Oyo State Government on agricultural development.
She commended the governor and authorities for their preparation and support, noting that the project aims to strengthen community development, reduce migration, and enhance food security, benefiting local youths and returnee immigrants.
“The project aims to strengthen community development and reduce migration in areas like Iwajowa Local Government, Okeho, Iganna, and others, demonstrating a commitment to food security.
“The initiative will benefit local youths, including those who have not migrated and returnee immigrants, with selections from city centers and areas with high youth unemployment,” the team said.
At the meeting included Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Barr. Olasukanmi Olaleye, and representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, comprising O.A Ezekiel, R.A Adekunle, A.A Ajisafe, F.I Ilori, A.Y Adekunle, and O.O Adesoji.
