By Daniel Abe
In a significant move aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing food security,the Executive Chairperson of Irewolede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon.(Mrs) Dupe Bakare has distributed farm tools and herbicides to farmers across communities within the council area.
The distribution programme, held on Thursday at the Council’s secretariat, featured the presentation of various agricultural Inputs including spraying machine, cutlasses,hoes,maize seeds and herbicides to selected beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Bakare stated that the initiative was designed to support farmers in their farming activities, improve agricultural outputs,and contribute to food sufficiency within the council area and beyond.
The council boss noted that agriculture remains one of the six cardinal pillars of governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration, stressing the need for local governments to align with and replicate the state’s agricultural development agenda at the grassroots level.
She urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items provided and reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to implementing more impactful programmes that would improve the socio-economic well-being of residents.
Hon. Bakare also used the occasion to canvass support for the re-election bid of governor Biodun Oyebanji, calling on eligible voters in Irewolede LCDA to visit their respective wards to collect their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVCs) ahead of the election.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director of Agriculture,Mr. Omoniyi Falayi disclosed that the council had invested millions of naira in the agricultural support programmes. He cautioned beneficiaries against diverting the distributed items for purpose other than those intended and provided guidance on the proper application of the herbicides to achieve maximum results.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries,Mr. Felix Adunbi expressed gratitude to the Executive Chairperson and management of Irewolede Local for the gesture, assuring them that the items would be utilized effectively for agricultural production.
In his vote of thanks,the Head of Local Council Administration, Mr. Vincent Babatunde commended governor Biodun Oyebanji for the prompt release of funds, which he said had enabled the council administration to execute various people -oriented programmes at the grassroots level.
The event attracted farmers, community leaders, political stakeholders and council officials from the LCDA.