*Ona-Ara LG Hosts Second Edition Of New Era Food Day To Promote Affordable Food, Support Farmers And Strengthen Local Economy*

The Ona-Ara Local Government Council has successfully hosted the second edition of the Ona-Ara New Era Food Day, an initiative of the Executive Chairman, Dr. Temitope Kolapo Glorious, aimed at promoting affordable food, empowering farmers, stimulating local commerce and strengthening food security across the local government area.

The programme attracted farmers, market leaders, traders, government officials, community stakeholders and other dignitaries in a collective effort to bridge the gap between agricultural producers and consumers while making essential food items and agricultural produce more accessible and affordable to residents.

The initiative also showcased the effectiveness of Governor Seyi Makinde’s economic development agenda in promoting grassroots development, supporting agricultural productivity and creating opportunities for economic growth at the local government level. Through initiatives such as the New Era Food Day, the benefits of people-oriented policies are demonstrated in practical ways that directly affect farmers, traders, households and the wider community.

Building on the Chairman’s ongoing support for farmers through grants, food grains and other agricultural interventions, the Food Day provided a platform for beneficiaries to demonstrate the impact of the assistance received and contribute to the economic well-being of the wider community.

In appreciation of the support extended by the local government, participating farmers and traders brought their produce and goods to the council-sponsored event, offering them to residents at relatively affordable prices. This gesture underscored the spirit of partnership between the local government and the agricultural community, demonstrating how targeted support for farmers can improve food availability, ease the burden of rising food prices and strengthen livelihoods.

The New Era Food Day represents a practical response to the increasing cost of food and the prevailing economic challenges confronting households. By creating a platform where farmers and traders can sell directly to consumers, the initiative helps reduce unnecessary market intermediaries, encourages local trade and improves access to essential commodities.

Beyond immediate affordability, the programme promotes cooperation among farmers, market associations and the local government, reinforcing agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and community development. It also provides local farmers and small-scale traders with opportunities to showcase their products, reach more customers and deepen their participation in the local economy.

Speaking on the significance of the programme, Hon. Taiwo Akeem Oke, Full-Time Commissioner of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission and former Executive Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government, commended the massive turnout at the event, describing the level of participation as a positive indication of the initiative’s relevance and acceptance among residents and stakeholders.

Hon. Oke also applauded the New Era Food Day initiative, recognising its potential to support farmers, promote affordable food, stimulate economic activities and improve the welfare of residents.

He further commended the Executive Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government, Dr. Temitope Kolapo Glorious, for the initiative and his commitment to introducing programmes that bring tangible benefits to the people.

The commendation highlighted the importance of purposeful leadership and sustainable grassroots initiatives in addressing economic challenges and improving the living conditions of local communities.

The impressive turnout of farmers, traders, market leaders and other stakeholders further demonstrated the community’s willingness to participate in initiatives designed to strengthen local commerce, promote food security and encourage collective responsibility for economic development.

The second edition of the Ona-Ara New Era Food Day attracted several notable personalities and government officials, including Hon. Mufutau Ogunremi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Financial Secretary of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Oyo State; Hon. Taiwo Akeem Oke, Full-Time Commissioner, Oyo State Local Government Service Commission and former Executive Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government; and Hon. Windapo Oluwole, Vice Chairman and Political Head of Inukan Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Others included Hon. Babatunde Sunmonu, Secretary to the Local Government; Hon. Isiaka Arinola, Chief of Staff; Hon. Abolade Yerima, Leader of the House; councillors, supervisory councillors, special assistants and other local government functionaries.

Also present were the Babaloja, the Iyaloja, market men and women, farmers, traders and other community stakeholders who participated actively in the programme.

Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration among government officials, market leadership, agricultural producers and community representatives in advancing food security and grassroots economic development.

The active participation of market men and women, in particular, reaffirmed the central role of local markets in connecting agricultural producers with consumers, supporting small businesses and sustaining economic activities within Ona-Ara.

The successful hosting of the second edition of the Ona-Ara New Era Food Day reaffirms the local government’s commitment to people-oriented initiatives that directly benefit residents, particularly farmers, traders and households affected by rising food costs.

The programme also reflects the broader importance of Governor Seyi Makinde’s economic development policies in creating an enabling environment for local initiatives that support agriculture, encourage enterprise and promote economic opportunities across communities.

By supporting agricultural production and creating opportunities for farmers to sell their produce at affordable prices, the initiative demonstrates how government interventions can extend beyond financial assistance to generate wider community benefits.

It also promotes a culture of appreciation, cooperation and shared responsibility in which government support empowers beneficiaries to contribute to the welfare and economic advancement of the entire community.

As Ona-Ara Local Government continues to pursue grassroots development, the New Era Food Day remains an important platform for promoting agricultural productivity, supporting local businesses, encouraging affordable food distribution and improving residents’ access to essential commodities.

The second edition therefore represents another significant step towards building a more food-secure, economically vibrant and inclusive Ona-Ara Local Government Area, while reinforcing the importance of effective leadership, strategic partnerships and sustainable development initiatives in improving the lives of the people.