Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced that governors from southern states have agreed to promote inter-state and inter-region trade to enhance food security and sufficiency.
He made this known during a meeting with the newly formed Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta led by Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Olabomi, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji.
Abiodun revealed that the state government has decided to set up farmers’ markets throughout Ogun State to ensure food security.
As the chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Abiodun emphasized that the southern states are well-equipped to promote trade among themselves, given their fertile lands and human resources.
“As a matter of fact, I and my colleagues in the southern part of Nigeria have met and have said that we have no reason not to promote inter-state or inter-region trade. There is no reason why someone from the South-east or South-south is not buying yam or tomatoes from somebody in the South-west. There is no reason why someone from the South-west is not buying rice from Ebonyi. We should be able to attain food security and sufficiency within our region because we have the human capacity and the necessary arable land. There is nothing we do not have to ensure we achieve this objective,” he said.
Abiodun mentioned that the farmers’ markets would be strategically placed in locations such as Asero in Abeokuta and Ogere along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Additionally, there are plans to relocate the Kara cattle market to Ogere, offering a better environment for cattle merchants.
“We believe that with the number of smallholder farmers we have in Ogun State, it will be an advantage to them if we have the farmers’ market located in strategic places,” he added.
He highlighted agriculture as a means to ensure food security, create employment, and generate revenue. Governor Abiodun emphasized that FUNAAB should lead efforts in food security, given its founding purpose.
He pledged collaboration with FUNAAB in various areas, including cassava production, and noted that the Iyana camp to Alabata road is already under consideration by his administration.
Oba Olabomi praised Governor Abiodun as one of the best governors in the country and called for collaboration with the state government, especially during a time when food security is a pressing concern. He encouraged the state government to leverage the institution’s training programs, research, and development initiatives.
The Pro-Chancellor also urged Governor Abiodun to assist with the reconstruction of the Iyana-Camp to Alabata road, which has been damaged due to truck activities.
