In a significant step toward advancing food security and sustainable agriculture, the Ogun State Government has commenced the distribution of mechanized farm equipment and training programs for beneficiaries across the state.
The initiative, driven by the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) in partnership with the World Bank, aims to modernize farming practices and foster responsible land use.
Held at Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, the engagement focused on educating beneficiaries about the effective management, operation, and maintenance of newly procured equipment such as tractors, harrows, ploughs, planters, and combine harvesters.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owootomo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, emphasized the long-term value of proper equipment handling.
“The state government is not just equipping our farmers with tools, it is empowering them with knowledge to reduce operational costs, enhance fuel efficiency, and extend equipment lifespan,” Jokotoye said.
She added, “You can see how responsive the government is to farmers. After we have produced what we need to produce, the government has gone beyond just providing processing equipment; it has also ensured that we have a place to sell our produce.”
Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odusi, OGSTEP Project Coordinator, represented by the Agricultural Sector Project Manager, Dr. Oluseyi Olugbere, traced the origins of the initiative.
“When the commissioner assumed office, he requested these mechanization equipment. We engaged the World Bank last year with clear justifications about why they were crucial to our farmers’ success,” she explained.
Olugbere noted the necessity for shared responsibility in protecting and expanding the resources. “It is imperative that we come together to discuss how we will use, maintain, and sustain these procured machines and even expand our fleet, considering the significant investment made to acquire them,” he said.
Mr. Seyi Mayungbe, OGSTEP’s Environmental Safeguard Officer, also educated handlers on safety. “Operators must be mindful of safety risks. Adhering to safety protocols is non-negotiable for effective and accident-free use,” he advised.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of beneficiaries, Mr. Rotimi Sogunle, Chairman of Ajegunle Farm Settlement, lauded the government’s efforts.
“We are grateful for this intervention. We will make sure the equipment is used effectively and properly maintained,” Sogunle assured.
In a parallel development under the Farm Resilience and Inclusive Land Investment Assessment (FRILIA) Pilot Programme, a multi-agency team led by OGSTEP FRILIA Specialist, Oladipupo Sofowora, visited Itoro and Isomu communities for stakeholder engagements and environmental assessments.
The team, which included officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Bureau of Lands and Survey, and OGSTEP, facilitated discussions on land allocation for Odewole Farms Ltd., an agrifood investor selected for the pilot.
During a formal engagement session, community members welcomed the investor, who pledged to uphold ethical business practices and contribute to local growth.
“We are committed to ensuring that our presence here will support the community and promote sustainable farming,” said a representative of Odewole Farms Ltd.
To support this commitment, OGSTEP’s Safeguard Unit conducted an Environmental and Social Screening (ESS) to assess the potential impact of the proposed site.
“This evaluation is critical to ensure that the project complies with environmental standards and benefits the local ecosystem and residents,” Sofowora noted.
