Civil Servants in Ogun State have been called upon to actively engage in backyard farming as a means of complementing the efforts of the government in ensuring food security.

The Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya made the call while delivering a keynote address at a capacity building programme for Civil Servants on Backyard Farming put together by the Ministry of Agriculture in celebration of the year 2024 World Food Day with the theme, "Right to Foods for a better Life and a Better Future", held at the Valley View auditorium, Oke-Igbein, Abeokuta.

According to him, the workers' involvement in the initiative will further underpin their commitment to the collective goal of food security in the State, as well as strengthen the capacity of households to contribute immensely to the larger economy.

 The Head of Service said the training which is aimed at equipping participants with the requisite knowledge and skills to actively engage in and navigate the complexities of backyard farming is desirable as it would inculcate a culture   of grow what you eat 

"This initiative, I must admit, aligns perfectly with the commitment of the Ogun State Government under the visionary leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun to training and developing its workforce across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) regardless of cadre or grade level.

"In this regard, let me take this opportunity to commend the various efforts and endeavours of the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, directed at enhancing the quality of the Public Service which has been consistently demonstrated through his dedication to improving the welfare of workers, not only by ensuring access to career development programmes but also through people centred policies that enhance their quality of life 

Reeling the importance of backyard farming to include: increase in the availability of animal protein for household consumption and ensuring that families, especially children and nursing mothers have access to steady supply; boosting the intake of animal protein among families which is critical for improving health and reducing malnutrition; increasing the intake of vitamins, fibres and antioxidants which boost the health and immunity system and equally aid digestion, Mr. Onasanya said empowering these workers, who are not just administrators but managers, is to address the most pressing challenge of the moment, which is food security.

On expected outcomes of the backyard farming, the Head of Service said there is going to be 25% reduction in malnutrition rates among children and nursing mothers, which is a significant step towards improving the health of the next generation.

Other outcomes include continuous access to animal protein in a sustainable manner, increase in household income as opportunity to sell surplus to boost overall wellbeing is high, saving cost as growing one's food reduces grocery expenses as well as high tendency to eat fresh and organic produce from one's garden ensures better control over one's diets, thus, keeping sickness at bay.

"As we join the rest of the world in marking the 2024 World Food Day, I enjoin you all to remember that food security is a collective responsibility and that by engaging in backyard farming, we take a significant step towards ensuring a better life and future for ourselves, families and people of Ogun State. I encourage every beneficiary of this training to make the most of the opportunity by putting all learnt to productive use, as you are contributing to your household's wellbeing and ultimately, to the overall agricultural development of Ogun State", the HoS admonished.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in the  State, Mr. Bolu Owootomo, said this year's celebration with a seminar on backyard farming for Civil Servants will help conserve limited resources, feed the family and make food available to all, as well as provide raw materials for farmers' use.

Appreciating the State government and all stakeholders at making the celebration a huge success, the Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, said the celebration is aimed at enhancing capacity of the workforce to bring food on all tables.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairman, OGHA House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Waliu Owode, the PRO, Farm Settlers Council, Mr. Rotimi Sogunle, State Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Alhaja Ganiyat Kusimo, State Administrative Secretary, Poultry Association of Nigeria, Mr. Temitayo Oguntola, lauded the state government for its unprecedented support at the agricultural sector with emphasis on the various subvention interventions to make life meaning for the people of the State.

Highlight of the celebration was the symbolic presentation of farming seeds and fertilizer to some participants by the Head of Service and other dignitaries.