On Thursday, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, highlighted the commitment of southern states to enhance inter-state and inter-region trade to bolster food security and sufficiency.
He also revealed Ogun State’s plan to establish Farmers’ Markets across the state to strengthen food security.
This announcement came during his meeting with the newly constituted Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB), led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ayorinde Olabomi.
As the chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF), Governor Abiodun emphasized that southern states, endowed with fertile land and human resources, should prioritize promoting trade among themselves.
He stressed the importance of facilitating trade within the region, stating, “There is no reason why someone from the South East or South South is not buying yam or tomatoes from somebody in the South West. There is no reason why someone from the South West is not buying rice from Ebonyi.”
Governor Abiodun outlined plans to establish Farmers’ Markets at strategic locations in Ogun State, including Asero in Abeokuta and Ogere along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Additionally, efforts are underway to relocate the Kara cattle market from its current site to Ogere to provide a more conducive environment for cattle merchants.
Highlighting the significance of agriculture in ensuring food security, job creation, and revenue generation, Governor Abiodun affirmed the pivotal role of the Federal University of Agriculture in championing food security.
He expressed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the institution, particularly in areas such as cassava production and infrastructure development like the Iyana-Camp to Alabata road.
Prior to this, Oba Ayorinde Olabomi praised Governor Abiodun as one of the best governors in the country and called for mutual cooperation in addressing the growing need for food security.
The Pro-Chancellor underscored the institution’s dedication to promoting food security and encouraged the state government to leverage the training programs, research, and development initiatives offered by the university.
He also appealed to Governor Abiodun for assistance in reconstructing the Iyana-Camp to Alabata road, damaged due to trucking activities.