South-west commissioners, DAWN, others to boost food production

The South-west states’ Commissioners for Agriculture, in collaboration with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, South-West Agricultural Company (SWAgCO) Limited, a subsidiary of Odu’a Investment Companies, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), among others, yesterday, held a strategic meeting aimed at working out the best strategies to boost agriculture and food production across the region in the shortest possible time.

The meeting was held at the DAWN Commission’s office, Cocoa House in Ibadan, on the directive of the South-West Governor’s Forum (SGF), led by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Although the details of the meeting are expected to be made available in a communique to be released today (Thursday), the goal of the meeting was to make South-West states self-dependent in food production and to also ensure synergy between the agriculture ministries in the region with other ministries like transportation, trade, commerce and other strategic and research organisations.

The Guardian gathered that part of the deliberations was to work out modalities of introducing modern and scientific research and technology that will improve agriculture in the region.

Meanwhile, the South-West states have agreed to strengthen farm security by creating specialised units within the Amotekun Corps.

Director-General of DAWN, Dr Seye Oyeleye, said it was important to dispel unfounded rumours that the region has lost its capacity to produce its food.

He, therefore, charged the meeting “to come up with recommendations that state governors can easily implement within the next few months.”