In a bid to increase cassava production, the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture has allocated another 100 hectares of planted cassava lands to beneficiaries of Batch C, under the Anchor Borrowers' Programme, at Ipagbonrin in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area.

          Recall that the first set of 100 beneficiaries in Batch C received their lands allocation through the Ministry, at Ikenne Farm Settlement in Ikenne Local Government Area in September, 2021.

          Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina said the lands allocated were provided and cleared mechanically by the State Government, while the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Cassava Growers Association ploughed, harrowed and planted on behalf of the beneficiaries.

          Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Dotun Sorunke, Odedina stated that the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun had mandated Ogun State Agricultural Development Project (OGADEP), to provide supplementary extension services and management to the beneficiaries, as well as release of money under the loan agreement of CBN.

          The Commissioner assured that off-takers would buy the cassava tubers after harvest, saying the Ministry would continue to monitor and give necessary supports to the beneficiaries, and advised them to forward any grievance through the channel provided by CBN under the loan agreement.

          "The Governor has mandated the State Agricultural Development Project to provide supplementary extension services and management of the farms and release of fund under the loan agreement of CBN. Beneficiaries should continue to forward any grievance through the channel provided by CBN under the loan agreement", he said.

          Dr. Odedina urged them to inform others of the opportunity in cassava cultivation and other crops, calling on more youths to leverage on the programme, as the future of Nigerian economy depends on agriculture.

          Addressing the participants, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Angel Adelaja-Kuye applauded Governor Abiodun for his efforts at reviving the State’s economy through agriculture, noting that anyone could benefit from the empowerment opportunities.

          Also speaking, the Chief Whip, Imeko-Afon Local Government, Hon. Jelili Akingbade, who is also a farmer, advised the beneficiaries to take good care of the farms allotted to them for maximum yields, adding that they should be faithful at refunding the loans granted them by CBN, so as to earn greater opportunities in the nearest future.

          Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mr. Bankole Joseph expressed joy and thanked government for the gesture, saying, "this will surely boost food production in the State".

          Highlight of the event was the presentation of Awards of Excellence to the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Dotun Sorunke and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Angel Adelaja-Kuye.