Oyo State, 1st September 2023 – The launch of the food palliative initiative by Engr. Seyi Makinde, the esteemed Governor of Oyo State, is a commendable step towards supporting the economically vulnerable residents of our great state.
While we applaud this significant move, we urge and beseech Governor Seyi Makinde to strategically allocate and channel the recently allocated 5 billion Naira from the federal government towards cushioning the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on our agricultural sector.
Food, the cornerstone of sustenance, resonates with the Yoruba adage “ti ebi bakuro ninu isę, isę ti bu ‘se,” meaning that investing in agriculture resonates positively throughout the entire economy. The far-reaching consequences of robust investment in agriculture, especially through small and medium-scale farmers, will not only uplift the economy but also contribute to the well-being of our state.
Agriculture, as a paramount source of sustenance, has the potential to mitigate the ongoing economic turmoil. From the hardworking farmers to the vibrant market traders, all the way to the common masses, ample food supply will lower the cost of living, facilitate abundance, and even facilitate the exportation of surplus produce both domestically and internationally.
A self-sufficient state, abundant in food resources, inherently becomes productive. Ensuring that everyone has consistent access to affordable and quality sustenance is key to alleviating a substantial portion of the challenges we encounter. Thus, we know for a fact that the Governor has implemented some plans into the sector before now but we implore Governor Seyi Makinde to prioritize harnessing our fertile lands to meet local demand, assist neighboring states, bolster the entire Nigerian food supply chain, and even accrue foreign exchange earnings from a vibrant agricultural sector.
Additionally, preserving the wealth of indigenous knowledge garnered by our seasoned farmers is paramount. A robust focus on agriculture alone could pave the way to transitioning over 500,000 youths from the streets to productive and sustainable ventures.
Moreover, while I advocate for a holistic approach, I, as an expert in agriculture, firmly recommend a significant and focused surge of investments into this sector. Agriculture has the potential to be a game-changer, and it assures us of its immense benefits.
God bless Oyo State!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
