We’ll give maximum and collaborative support to reduce poverty through Agric Devt— Oyo Gov’t

*We’ll give maximum and collaborative support to reduce poverty through Agric Devt— Oyo Gov’t*

Oyo State Government has expressed commitment to providing maximum and collaborative support to reduce poverty through Agricultural Development in the state.

During a meeting with the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) led by Dr. Elizabeth Egbetokun who is POWA National President and wife of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Governor’s office on Tuesday, the Deputy Governor, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, noted that anything that has to do with Agriculture is to feed ourselves.

While welcoming the association to Oyo state on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, Barr. Lawal described their mission of reducing poverty in the land as very laudable.

He emphasised that a country’s ability to feed its own people has a substantial positive impact on poverty reduction, promising that the Oyo government will collaborate with the Institute of Agricultural Research & Training (IAR&T) and POWA to reduce hunger.

The Deputy Governor equally extended his deep appreciation to the inspector general of police, Egbetokun for his proactive measures being put in place to fortify the state’s security architecture.

He said: “Here in Oyo state, we describe all security agencies as family and police is at the forefront of service commander in terms of share numbers and visibility is the police, so we commend your husband on the security architecture of the state.

“Though we still have challenges but it is not as cumbersome as experienced in other states of the country. So, because of share size of Oyo state, we need adequate coverage of policing.

“Ibadan is 250km to Kishi, and travelling to the town is about 5 hours. We need mobile and combat command that can cover the whole areas of Oyo state.

“The issue of banditry is also coming up and kidnapping merely associated to mining activities, so we will need more hands to be able to cover the areas and curb the menace.

“We are lending support to all security agencies in the state and we will continue to give support with a view to ensuring that we live in safe environment.

“So, on this note, we want to welcome you and wish you a very peaceful stay in the state. We wish you all the best and productive engagement.”

Earlier in her remarks, the National President of the Police Officers’ Wives ssociation (POWA), Mrs Egbetokun said the deliberate visit was well planned out by the National POWA Secretariat to convey her goodwill to Governor Makinde and the good people of Oyo state.

She said: “Your Excellency, my management team and I are on a working visit to the Institute of Agricultural Research & Training (IAR&T) here in Oyo State which has highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing societal challenges.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State for graciously hosting us. Your commitment to the development of Oyo State is commendable, and we are grateful for the opportunity to discuss ways in which POWA can contribute to the
well-being of our communities.

“Your Excellency, POWA is a non-profit, non-governmental, non-racial, non-ethnical, non-political but philanthropic, innovative, democratic, educative, informative and social Association.

“POWA recognizes the crucial role of agriculture in fostering economic growth and food security. Through our association, we aim to support initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture and empower farming communities, thereby contributing to the overall prosperity of the state.

“Our visit to lAR&T has inspired us to explore partnerships between POWA and the government of Oyo State to implement agricultural projects that will support the families of the men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

“By leveraging our collective resources and expertise, we can create opportunities for economic empowerment and food sufficiency. As we continue our discussions today, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a brighter future for the people of Oyo State. Together, we can cultivate prosperity and resilience in our communities.”