Special Assistant flags off distribution of 5,000 bags of fertilisers to South-West farmers

CITIZENS COMPASS–The Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Agriculture and Food Security, Abiodun Yinusa, yesterday, flagged-off distribution of 5,000 bags of fertilisers to South-West farmers in the country.

The event which was held at the Lagos State Farm Centre, Agege, played host to stakeholders in the farming, agro processing and food production value chain.

It was organised under the agies of the Renewed Hope Agricultural Intervention for Farmers and facilitated by the Special Adviser.

Speaking, President of She-Farmers Initiative, Mrs Kudirat Ande, appreciated the gesture saying it was well received by clusters of farmers who converged on Lagos to take delivery of the fertilisers.

She lauded the magnanimity of the administration of President Tinubu in boosting food production within the region. 

According to her, the donation was part of the strategy to ensure that uncultivated land in South-West would be cultivated for food production and assist farmers in bringing food to the table of many.

She assured that all stakeholders in the agro processing sector including the All Farmers Association of Nigeria have all resolved to come together, change the narratives of food insecurity and demonstrate commitments to food security.

She said, “Nigeria is a land that is blessed with good things across her length and breath and each state is endowed with peculiar cash crops for local production and export which can boost our economy.

“We are determined to scale up farming activities by ensuring that all farmers come together to embark commercial farming and bridge the gap between subsistence and mechanised farming with necessary support from the government.”

Speaking further, she said, “We need to take ownership of this what belongs to us and work towards a united Nigeria in terms of religion, politics, region and tribe.”

In their goodwill messages, representatives of the Special Assistant, Mr. Rafiu Lawal and Taiwo Ayedun popularly known as Shanana assured the farmers of more support from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. 

They said the government is willing to closely work with farmers as well as other stakeholders in the agro processing value chain by providing necessary support aimed at improving mechanised farming, capacity building, agro processing equipment and ensuring consistent supply of agricultural inputs and other support services that will guarantee increase in food production.

The fertilizers were presented to beneficiaries across board with assurance that other states within the region would benefit soon.