The Executive Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Hadji Abdulrasheed Femi Yusuf has taken significant steps toward dry-season farming through a partnership with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ifelodun Chapter.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Abdulquadri Jimba,
On Friday, the AFAN leadership presented a comprehensive report to the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government at the Council Secretariat in Share.
The AFAN Chairman, Hon. Kola Friday Garba, emphasized the importance of sustaining food security by embracing dry-season farming. He explained the need for training and capacity-building programs tailored to farmers during this farming period.
“The proposal prioritizes the cultivation of staple crops such as rice, maize, soybeans, okra, and ugu. Equipping farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge will enhance farming efficiency and strengthen food security in Ifelodun Local Government,” he stated.
“We have skilled farmers, vast lands, and dedicated individuals in this local government. With the council’s support, we are poised to achieve an agricultural revolution under this administration,” he concluded.
Hon. Sulieman Al Amin, another AFAN member, commended the unwavering support of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for farmers in Kwara State. He also lauded the efforts of the council chairman in transforming Ifelodun into a leading agricultural hub, which will boost revenue generation.
The Chairman in his response reaffirmed the local government’s dedication to agriculture as a key livelihood for residents. He emphasized ongoing efforts to revitalize farming, which include collaborations with private sectors, National agencies, and International organizations.
“We are working to reclaim our vast, underutilized lands while enhancing security to ensure uninterrupted farming activities. The AFAN report will guide us in making Ifelodun the food basket of Kwara State and Nigeria,” he said.
” The Council have existing partnerships with key agricultural organizations, including the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) in Idofian and the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA). NALDA is currently clearing 125 hectares of farmland in Ora district, with plans to extend this to 5,000 hectares”
“We are also engaging stakeholders such as banks and the State Government to secure funding for these initiatives. The submitted report will be thoroughly reviewed, and we will collaborate to implement dry-season farming across the 18 wards of Ifelodun Local Government,” he concluded.
Stakeholders present at the meeting include, Chief Ademola Zubair, Chief of Staff to the Chairman; Hon. Akeem Nurudeen Olayinka; and Hon. Jodi Folorunsho.