From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Poised to ensure food security and agricultural boost in Ogun State, a member of the State House of Assembly, Lukmon Atobatele, says he will commence a personal sponsored training and empowerment for 64 farmers in his constituency.
He added that the programme will commence in January 2024 and will see selected farmers getting trained on a fully consolidated modern farm for 90 days in latest agricultural techniques.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the selection exercise for beneficiaries of agricultural empowerment scheme, held in Abeokuta, Atobatele, who is representing Abeokuta South State Constituency 1, explained that giving full support to agriculture via training and empowerment of farmers would drastically reduce poverty and ensure food security in the nation.
The lawmaker, who is also the Deputy Minority Leader of the OGHA, stated further that the training and empowerment scheme is part of his electioneering promise to support his constituents, particularly in the area of agriculture.
Atobatele said: “The essence of the interview and selection is to ensure we train and empower those who are genuine farmers and who truly would create multiplier effects. We are starting with agriculturists to be able to produce more food and as well reduce unemployment.
“The agricultural empowerment scheme would commence in January 2024, while successful candidates would be trained in a fully consolidated modern farm for ninety days. We have interviewed about 140 people who showed interest, and so far 64 candidates have been picked. Of course we would do more phases of the programme but we are starting with this number for now”.
On his part, a Deputy Director in the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Jamiu Ismail who was part of the team of experts on ground, commended the lawmaker for the initiative, submitting “this is a good effort to create job opportunities and enhance food production in the country.”