I’m Committed To Turning Osun To Hub Of Agricture In Southwest- Oyetola
Osun State governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola has expressed his commitment to make Osun State the hub of Agriculture and food basket of Southwest Nigeria.
Oyetola spoke through Mr Remi Kolajo, Supervisor for Agric and Food Security in Osogbo at a 3-day 1st International Agricultural Technology Exhibition and Conference anchored by AGRITECH Nigeria and FESCO AGALU in collaboration with Osun State government.
The governor said the exhibition that has Israel, Cuba, Venezuela, African and European countries among others participating is important to Osun because it will enhance productivity through education, introduction to new breed seedlings, encourage research and total development in the Agric sector.
Speaking, the Executive Director, AGRITECH, Yahaya Mojeed called for the transfer of bulk of budgetary allocation to local government where according to him is the real business of agriculture.
According to him, when agriculture is localized, it will remove agriculture from mere talking but enhance bountiful productivity adding that local government is nearer to the grassroots and indeed the practitioners.
He noted that the exhibition and conference was organized to develop the economy through diversification to agriculture adding that no fewer than fifteen countries are participating in the international event.
The Venezuela Envoy in Nigeria, David Velasquez said his country is participating because there is the need for cross fertilization of ideas and products.
According to him, Nigeria is fortunate to be blessed with favourable climate, fertile land, experienced manpower and high yielding seedlings that can favorably curtail youth unemployment and boost the economy of the country.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman, Agric Research Council of Nigeria, Mr Adetunji Ajagbe noted that Nigeria has no reason to be poor economically with the vast resources at her disposal.
He noted that before the discovery of crude oil, the economy of Nigeria was buoyant when agricultural input was adequately annexed.
ENDS
