The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority, Dr Adedeji Ashiru, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing food security and boosting agricultural business in the country on Friday.
Ashiru revealed that the agency had procured 25 tractors to support mechanized agriculture and plans to construct 83 additional infrastructures, develop small-scale irrigation schemes, and implement water-smart irrigation systems in 2025.
He said that President Bola Tinubu is so committed to tackling hunger and ensuring food sufficiency in the country that he had been rolling out several initiatives to uplift agricultural business in the country.
The O-ORBDA MD disclosed this while speaking during the flagging off of training and empowerment of 900 residents of the state in various areas of agribusiness held at Iperu Remo.
He said the programme had been designed to equip 900 men, women and youth with the necessary tools, training, and financial support to thrive in the agricultural and agribusiness sectors.
Ashiru revealed that the initiative strategically aligned with President Tinubu’s Eight-Point Agenda, focusing on food security, job creation, poverty eradication, economic growth, and infrastructural development.
He explained further that under this empowerment programme, 100 women and youths would receive training in backyard farming and would receive essential tools and equipment, including power tillers, power sprayers, high-yield vegetable seeds, fertilizers, and protective gear.
Ashiru added that for “Training and Empowerment in Agricultural Value Chain Development, 100 people will be trained in fruit juice, Zobo juice, and tiger nut drink production.
“Each participant will receive equipment, including chest freezers, commercial grinders/blenders, and professional juice extractors.
“For training in business and entrepreneurial agriculture, another 100 people will receive training in modern agribusiness strategies, digital literacy, and financial management skills.
“Each participant will receive an Android Z65 Tablet Pro to support digital literacy and entrepreneurship.
“And for vocational empowerment, 300 participants will receive complete modern sewing machines, while another 300 will receive grinding machines. Each beneficiary will also receive seed capital to establish their businesses”.
The MD said that to promote all-year-round farming, the agency has flagged off 2025 Dry Season Irrigation and this involves the construction of 12 earth dams and 21 modern irrigation facilities across the Southwest.
He added that the agency has equally procured 25 tractors to support mechanized agriculture with further plan in 2025 to construct 83 additional infrastructure, develop small-scale irrigation schemes, and implement water-smart irrigation systems among others.
Ashiru who appreciated President Tinubu for his visionary leadership aimed at ensuring food security in the country has however urged the beneficiaries of the scheme to make the very best use of the training and resources received during the programme.
