Ibadan North East LG Chairman, Ibrahim Akintayo, Launches Farm Inputs Distribution, Pledges Support for Farmers

In a bid to revamp food systems and empower local farmers, the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) has launched a farm inputs distribution program in six local government areas of Ibadan, including Ibadan North East, Oluyole, Lagelu, Ibadan North-West, Ibadan South-West, and Akinyele. The program is part of the Nigeria Community Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES) initiative.

The distribution program of Ibadan North East Local Government was flagged off by the Executive Chairman of the Council, Hon Ibrahim Akintayo aka (O mu Yes )aims to tackle the challenges of skyrocketing input prices and boost food security by providing essential farm inputs to smallholder farmers. The inputs include NPK fertilizers, improved maize seeds, soybean seeds, herbicides, and NoduMax legume inoculants.

Hon. Akintayo described the program as timely and impactful, saying, “This program is coming at the right time. Many of our farmers had lost hope due to high prices of farm inputs. This will revive their season.” He assured farmers of continued government support, stressing that agriculture remains a cornerstone of local economic growth and food security.

Dr. Debo Akande, Director-General of OYSADA, reiterated the agency’s commitment to building resilience in the agricultural sector. “We are building more than farms; we are building resilience. Our farmers are the foundation of our food economy. With the right tools, they become entrepreneurs who feed not just their families, but the entire state,” he said.

The program has been well-received by beneficiaries, who expressed deep appreciation for the support. Mrs. Folake Oduola, a local farmer, said, “I had almost given up on farming this year.

This support has brought hope back to my family.” Mr. Bashir Aluko, who grows maize and pepper, added, “With this, I won’t need to take a loan. It shows the government hasn’t forgotten us.” Young farmer Mrs. Kehinde Ojebode described the inputs as a lifeline, saying, “This support makes it easier to start afresh as a young farmer without debt.”

The Ibadan North East Local Government Chairman’s launch of the farm inputs distribution program at the Council marks a significant step towards promoting agricultural development and food security in the state.

OYSADA’s initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of smallholder farmers and contribute to the overall growth of the state’s economy.