Oyetola seeks private partnership to revamp agric sector

Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partner private sector to revive the agriculture sector in the state.

He said the administration will do everything possible to make agriculture the mainstay and bedrock of the state's economy.

The governor stated this on Monday during a facility tour of Bob Jones Farm Limited, at Obadimu community, Orolu Local Government Area of the state.

Oyetola who described agriculture as the most sustainable means to growing the economy, said no stone will be left unturned to turn around the sector for the betterment of the people of the state.

He said the administration's revolution has been designed to make the state sufficient in food production, and by extension have enough to export, explaining that government had mapped out necessary strategies to properly involve youths in agriculture and integrate them into mechanised farming.

This, he said will help to eradicate societal menace such as unemployment, poverty and hunger among others.

He explained further that the state under his watch will bring innovation and modern techniques into farming in order to make the sector more attractive, proficient and profitable to all.

He commended the owner of the farm, Chief Bisi Adegoke, for his foresight in bringing back the lost glory in the agriculture sector, saying the initiative is remarkable, worthy of emulation and one capable of aiding the state in the implementation and actualisation of its agricultural policies.

"Agriculture is essential and it pays. This is the way to go if we are serious and genuine in the quest to stimulate our economy.

"Agriculture is a lucrative business, unlike before, when subsistence farming was the order of the day. Now, agriculture had gone beyond that, as mechanised and digital farming have become the order of the day.

"As a government, we have been working assiduously to breathe a new life into agriculture sector, and make it the most vibrant and profitable means of stimulating and advancing the economy of the state.

"Our government is open to private sector, individuals and corporate organisations who share the same ideologies with us to reposition the sector for the good of all.

“We are bringing in a revitalisation template that will help to support the needs of our farmers, and as well attract the young ones into farming.

"The present economic realities have called for the need for everyone to develop interest in agriculture, as the sector remains the sustainable means of advancing the nation's economy.

"So, I urge our youths to show interest in agriculture and shun illegal means of getting rich. There is no gain in cyber-crime, there is no future in illegitimate means of survival, youths must desist from these acts, and embrace agriculture for survival.

"Agriculture is lucrative, productive and profitable if we all decide to invest in it. Let’s go back to the farm to make our state to be sufficient in food productions and as well have much to export.

"I commend the owner of this farm for keying into the policies of the state on agriculture, this, we believe will further help the state in the realisation of her objectives in the agriculture sector", Oyetola said.

The Chairman, Orolu Local Government, Mr. Benson Adekunle, lauded the efforts of the present administration in the state for creating conducive atmosphere for farmers to thrive.

He implored the people particularly the traditional rulers to partner with the state government to revolutionise agriculture sector.

The owner of the farm, Chief Bisi Adegoke, said his decision to invest in the agriculture is aimed at empowering the people, particularly the young ones.

Adegoke who conducted the governor round the facilities at the farm, said hundreds of youths have been trained on modern agriculture technique.

On his part, the Agba-Ekun of Obadimu community, Oba Michael Olakitan Opajinmi, who noted that Oyetola was the first governor to visit the community, applauded the administration for pursuing policies that will revamp the agriculture sector.

The traditional ruler commended the owner of the farm for building the farm settlement in his domain, saying the initiative had helped to provide job opportunity for the dwellers of the community and its environs.

He called on other rich individuals in the society to emulate the gesture by investing in the agriculture sector.