Osun State Governor, Governor Ademola Adeleke has highlighted agriculture as a vital means to feed the population and strengthen the national economy.
He urged youths and women to embrace farming, pledging his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary tools to support effective agricultural practices across Osun State.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the Imole Agropreneur Model Project in Imesi-Ile, Adeleke described the initiative as a testament to the realisation of one of the key objectives of his administration.
“We are here to launch the statewide Imole Agropreneur Model Project, which will be replicated across all local government areas in the state,” he said.
“Our vibrant youths and industrious women are at the heart of this agenda.
“We are committed to providing opportunities that empower them to achieve financial stability and contribute productively to our society.”
The governor explained that his administration has adopted a holistic approach, ensuring that beneficiaries not only receive materials and tools but also training, skills development, and mentoring.
“This dual strategy of empowerment and capacity building will equip our youth and women to maximise the resources provided, ensuring long-term impact,” Adeleke noted.
He emphasised the importance of agriculture as the cornerstone of Osun State’s economy, with many residents engaged in farming at various levels. Recognising this, the state government has made Agro-Industrial Transformation a key pillar of its 5-Point Agenda.
“Our vision is to revolutionise agricultural practices in Osun State, enhancing productivity and improving the standard of living for our people,” Adeleke stated.
“To achieve this, I have directed each local government area to allocate a minimum of 1,000 hectares of land for mechanised farming and local empowerment initiatives.”
The governor disclosed that the first phase of the transformative programme includes the allocation of newly cleared farmlands, alongside extension services, technical support, and other essential resources to ensure the success of beneficiaries.
The programme also features an off-take component, creating strong linkages between agropreneurs and buyers of farm produce.
“This strategy will strengthen financial returns and ensure the sustainability of the model,” Adeleke explained.
“The programme also includes a strong public-private partnership element, with local communities partnering with the government to ensure communal ownership.”
He added that the initiative aims to establish micro agro-processing platforms targeting export markets, with the goal of producing a new generation of modern farmers focused on both local and international markets.
Adeleke assured existing agropreneurs in Osun State that they would not be left out of the programme, as the government is considering integrating them into the initiative.
“I have tasked the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security with monitoring the progress of this programme and providing continuous technical assistance to participants. Oversight is crucial to its success,” he concluded.
