The Oke Ogun Youths Association has called on Oyo State Government to reconsider its decision to spend the recently approved N7.6billion loan by the House of Assembly on Akufo and Eruwa farm settlements only.
They made the call when the management of Oke Ogun Green Revolution initiative of Oke Ogun Youths Association paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor Engr. Rauf Olaniyan.
The Project Coordinator of Oke Ogun Green Revolution Bola Olalere, said spending the approval loan only on Akufo and Eruwa farm settlements will be unfair to other parts of the state.
Oke-Ogun, as the food basket of the state, he said should benefit from such gesture.
“Our association pleads with your Excellency to take this our concern to the Governor Seyi Makinde who we believe will amend the bill and spread the loan across the state,” Olalere pleaded with the deputy Governor.
Olalere informed the initiative was aimed at encouraging youths from the region engaging in profitable, sustainable and commercial agriculture by creating a platform that will generate networks that will make the work easier and interesting to them.
He said that the association has acquired 1500 hectares of land in four different locations across Oke Ogun and currently having about 1600 registered members ready to take farming as their main occupation.
Olaniyan promised the government’s unflinching support for Oke Ogun Green Revolution initiative of Okeogun Youth Association.
He declared the administration was ready to implement policies that will develop agriculture and generate employment for the youths in all regions of the state
“Oke Ogun being the food basket of the nation would be given adequate attention. It will enjoy improved infrastructural facilities and good road networks that will make life easier for the people and boost the economy of the region,” Olaniyan stated.
He also stated plans were on to make credit facilities available to young farmers, build silos, storage and off take most of their products after harvesting.
He said that with the dry port coming to Ibadan, it will be easier to export agricultural products directly from the state without having to go to Lagos.