YEAP Beneficiaries, Farmers Laud Gov Makinde for Timely Support.
By Adewale Owoade
Members of the Oyo State Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP) and farmers from various local government areas have expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for the timely distribution of farm inputs under the N-Cares program.
The YEAP members, who were sponsored by the state government for agribusiness training at CSS Farm in Nassarawa State, commended the governor’s commitment to farmers’ welfare.
The Director-General of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Debo Akande, explained that the 5th distribution of Oyo N-Cares farm inputs program is part of the Nigeria Community Action For Resilience And Economic Stimulus Result Area 2.
Dr. Akande who was on ground for monitoring and evaluation of the distribution exercise also sensitised the beneficiaries of the Inputs about the importance of the items given to them.
He noted that the governor’s initiative has already yielded results, with increased farm produces recorded in the state.
While speaking on behalf of the YEAP beneficiary, Kolade Kehinde, YEAP Coordinator for Oyo East Local Government, expressed gratitude for the farm inputs and mentorship program.
He said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde a visionary leader, and he’s like a father to us, he’s someone who sees potentials even where others may not.
“We are truly grateful for the opportunity given to us, from the very first trip to Nassarawa up until this stage.
“Today, we’re being given farm inputs to boost our productivity and improve food production in Oyo State. We are indeed thankful.
”We are being given herbicides, seedlings, fertilizers, and other essential inputs. In addition, there’s a mentorship programme in place to guide us on how to apply these inputs effectively for maximum yield.”
Kehinde also reacted to the rumour that YEAP members have been abandoned after their training at Nassarawa farm.
“I want people to disregard that rumour, the truth is, the governor is working with a clear process. No serious plan can be executed without structure.
“It’s possible that some people are misinformed or have unrealistic expectations. But to say we were abandoned or not taken care of is simply false.
”For instance, right now, we’ve just being contacted by FCMB to receive financial support from the Oyo State Government. They’ve visited our farms, interviewed us, and we’re expecting funding to support our startups.
“Tough I can’t say the exact amount, but I believe it will be substantial amount. The fact that they’ve taken the time to inspect our farms and provide mentorship gives me confidence. I trust our governor,” Kehinde said.
Earlier in his address, the executive chairman of Oyo East local government, Hon Peter Oluokun who was represented by the Secretary to the local government, lauded the Governor over the Oyo N-Cares farm inputs distribution initiative aimed at supporting the vulnerable farmers across the state.
The chairman urged the beneficiaries of the farm Inputs distribution to make good use of the inputs given to them.
The distribution exercise was also carried out in Oyo East, Oyo West, Surulere, Atisbo, and Ogooluwa local government.
The executive chairmen of these local governments lauded Governor Makinde for the initiative and urged beneficiaries to make good use of the inputs.
The event was attended by traditional leaders, including Chief Adekunle Teslim Baale Olori, Chief Adeleke Basir Loogun Alaafin of Oyo, and Chief Mrs. Titilayo Odurinde Iyalode Agbe Oyo East, among others.
Some of the YEAP beneficiaries include Lasisi Taofeek, Tajudeen Sakirudeen, Kehinde Busari, and Olaleye Biodun, among others.