The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority, Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to enhancing food security and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Speaking on Friday at the launch of a training and empowerment initiative for 900 Ogun State residents in Iperu Remo, Ashiru highlighted ongoing efforts to boost agribusiness and mechanized farming.
He revealed that the agency had procured 25 tractors to support mechanized agriculture and outlined plans for 2025, including the construction of 83 additional infrastructures, small-scale irrigation schemes, and water-smart irrigation systems.
According to Ashiru, President Bola Tinubu remains deeply committed to combating hunger and achieving food sufficiency, rolling out various initiatives to revamp the agricultural sector.
The O-ORBDA boss explained that the empowerment programme aims to provide men, women, and youths with essential tools, training, and financial support to thrive in agribusiness.
He noted that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Eight-Point Agenda, which prioritizes food security, job creation, poverty alleviation, economic growth, and infrastructural development.
Detailing the structure of the programme, Ashiru said:
Backyard Farming Training: 100 women and youths will be equipped with power tillers, sprayers, high-yield vegetable seeds, fertilizers, and protective gear.
Agricultural Value Chain Development: Another 100 participants will learn how to produce fruit juice, Zobo juice, and tiger nut drinks, receiving equipment such as chest freezers, commercial grinders/blenders, and professional juice extractors.
Business and Entrepreneurial Agriculture Training: 100 individuals will gain knowledge in modern agribusiness strategies, digital literacy, and financial management. Each will receive an Android Z65 Tablet Pro for digital literacy support.
Vocational Empowerment: 300 participants will be provided with modern sewing machines, while another 300 will receive grinding machines. Additionally, all beneficiaries will receive seed capital to kick-start their businesses.
To ensure year-round farming, Ashiru announced the commencement of the 2025 Dry Season Irrigation programme, which includes the construction of 12 earth dams and 21 modern irrigation facilities across the Southwest.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to developing infrastructure that will improve irrigation and mechanized farming.
Appreciating President Tinubu’s visionary leadership, Ashiru encouraged the beneficiaries to maximize the training and resources provided, ensuring long-term benefits for themselves and the nation’s agricultural sector.
