Makinde’s Govt Deepens FAO Collaboration on Food Security.
By Adewale Owoade
The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) to enhance agricultural productivity and improve food security across the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musbau Babatunde, gave the assurance on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde while receiving the newly appointed FAO Country Representative at the SSG Conference Room, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Prof. Babatunde said the administration remains focused on leveraging strategic partnerships with international development organisations such as the FAO to drive innovation, boost productivity, and achieve sustainable rural development.
He described agriculture as a key pillar of the state’s economic agenda, noting that collaboration with global bodies would support farmers with modern techniques, capacity building, and access to improved inputs.
The SSG also highlighted ongoing government interventions in the sector, adding that the state is open to further technical support and knowledge exchange to strengthen value chains and promote food sufficiency.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the administration has recorded significant progress in agriculture.
He listed key initiatives to include the promotion of mechanised farming through a 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy, distribution of improved seedlings and farm inputs, and provision of fertilisers at subsidised rates.
Other interventions, he said, include rehabilitation of rural farm roads, irrigation support programmes, and the strengthening of extension services to reach farmers at the grassroots.
Olaleye added that the government has intensified efforts in livestock development, fisheries support, youth engagement in agribusiness, and the promotion of agro-processing and value addition to reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers’ income.
Also speaking, the FAO Country Representative, Hussein Gadain, commended the Oyo State Government for its proactive approach to agricultural development and expressed readiness to deepen collaboration in climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness development, and food systems transformation.
Gadain highlighted FAO’s contributions to agricultural development in Nigeria, including support for smallholder farmers through capacity building, provision of climate-resilient seeds, promotion of sustainable farming practices, pest and disease control, and food systems strengthening.
He added that the organisation is also supporting farmers with early warning systems, digital agricultural solutions, and resilience-building programmes aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and improving food security nationwide.
