Embrace farming, Ogun HoS urges workers

The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, has urged civil servants in the state to actively participate in backyard farming to support the government’s efforts in promoting food security.

A statement by the Information & Public Relations Officer, Office of the Head of Service, Omolara Osindele, disclosed that Onasanya made the call while delivering a keynote address at a capacity-building programme for Civil Servants on Backyard Farming.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in Abeokuta to celebrate the 2024 World Food Day with the theme, “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future”.

Onasanya said, “The workers’ involvement in the initiative will further underpin their commitment to the collective goal of food security in the state and strengthen the capacity of households to contribute immensely to the larger economy.”

According to the Head of Service, the training is aimed at equipping participants with the requisite knowledge and skills to actively engage in and navigate the complexities of backyard farming is desirable as it would inculcate a culture of growing what you eat.

“This initiative, I must admit, aligns perfectly with the commitment of the Ogun State Government under the visionary leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun to training and developing its workforce across Ministries, Departments and Agencies regardless of cadre or grade level.

“I commend Governor Dapo Abiodun for his dedication to improving the Public Service, ensuring workers’ welfare through career development programs and people-centred policies that enhance their quality of life,” Onasanya said.

He further said that empowering these workers, who are not just administrators but managers, to address the most pressing challenge of the moment, which is food security.

Also, the Head of Service said, “There is going to be a 25 per cent reduction in malnutrition rates among children and nursing mothers, which is a significant step towards improving the health of the next generation.”

“As we celebrate the 2024 World Food Day, remember that food security is a shared responsibility. Backyard farming is a vital step towards securing a better future for us and Ogun State. I urge all trainees to apply what they have learned, benefiting both their households and the state’s agricultural development,” the Head of Service advised.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in the State, Mr Bolu Owootomo, said this year’s celebration with a seminar on backyard farming for civil servants will help conserve limited resources, feed the family and make food available to all, as well as provide raw materials for farmers’ use.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, Mrs Kehinde Jokotoye, said the celebration is aimed at enhancing the capacity of the workforce to bring food to all tables.