Makinde okays recruitment of extension officers, vet doctors

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the recruitment of agriculture extension officers and veterinary doctors.

He gave this approval on Tuesday while inaugurating the state Seed Coordinating Committee, which was held at the House Chiefs, House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan, the state capital.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in Ibadan, the state capital, the governor said the recruitment exercise would cover the 33 Local Government Areas of the state.

The governor also announced the setting up of model farm service centres across the zones and the purchase of motorcycles for Extension Officers for optimal delivery in the agricultural sector of the state.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olaleye Olasunkanmi, the governor noted that his administration recognised the importance of agriculture in driving economic growth, reducing poverty and boosting food production for the general well-being of residents of the state.

Makinde equally noted that his administration had made available the sum of N1 billion as soft agricultural loans to farmers in the state, among other benefits.

“Over 1,000 farmers in the state have benefitted from the 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy, with more than 6,000 acres of land ploughed for farmers. The tractorisation subsidy will continue in February 2025 to target 16,000 acres of land for the new farming season.”

Speaking on the resuscitation of the state Seed Coordinating Committee, the governor noted that the aim was to revitalise agricultural productivity in order to ensure food security and improve the livelihood of farmers, as they will have access to high-quality and improved seeds, information and technologies for boosting productivity and sustaining food security in the state.

He tasked members of the seed coordinating committee to discharge their duties and see to the boost in food production and agricultural yields.

“The governor has graciously approved this new Committee to make it all-encompassing, with the objectives of seed multiplication extending to crop cultivation, livestock farming, agro-allied, and other activities that can affect agriculture positively.

“Also, it aims to produce quality certified seeds, inputs for farmers, and an increase in farm machines through the participation and collaboration of the private sector.

“So, as a member of this committee, you are hereby chosen for your expertise and dedication. Your role is crucial in enhancing seed quality both in crop and livestock production in improving fatness’s livelihood and promoting security.

“You are to promote food security by increasing agricultural production.
“Your committee has the liberty to co-opt experts from any other agencies of government in the local, state, federal, private, public, SME enterprises that have valuable contributions.”

In their separate goodwill messages, the state Chairman of the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria, Adewumi Abbas, and the representative of Baale Agbe in the state, Akande Moshood, lauded the governor for his commitment to the progress of farmers through numerous support programmes.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Christiana Abioye, said the committee, which comprises relevant stakeholders in the seed industry, is to plan and determine the state’s seeds requirement annually, encourage timely and effective seed distribution and other inputs to farmers.