On Thursday, Oyo Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi reaffirmed the importance of agriculture in state-building, stating that he has the ability to ensure food security and provide jobs.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the first Summit and Oyo State Agriculture Exhibition with the theme: “Transforming the Agriculture and Agri-Union Industry of the State of Oyo: Private Sector Participation” held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Governor Ibadan says the topic was appropriate while the country was looking for a permanent solution to the problem of food insecurity, unemployment and underdevelopment in rural development, as well as absolute technologies in the country.
Capturing past national attempts to put agriculture on a front burner, such as Operation Operation Nation and Green Revolution, to highlight what used to be the backbone of the economy, the governor said that efforts give confidence to the government in steadfast commitment and determination to continue the development of agriculture, including the use of value added in the agricultural chain.
“We all know that agriculture is the only key sector that can provide food, employment for young people, women and others. This should also be the reason for the deviation of the rural and urban population.
“It is also the main supplier of agro-industrial raw materials for industrial development,” said the governor.
He noted that the discovery of oil led to a sharp decline in agricultural production and earnings, with the result that Nigeria, which until now had been an exporter of agricultural products, became an importer of agricultural products, in particular, such foods as rice, wheat and fish.
Adjimobi said the state government is focused on the development of agriculture in the state.
The governor, who noted that the state is marching to many research institutes, said that the first attempt to synergize with the leading research institute in tropical Africa, IITA, whose government expects tremendous and realistic support and results.
“It should therefore be noted that as soon as we succeed, by providing a demand-based solution we would strengthen our mission,” he said.
According to him, the summit has become an imperative to bridge the gap between farmers, processors, agro-unions, government, agricultural / commercial banks and other interested parties.
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