In tandem with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and a commitment to enhancing food sufficiency, Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has distributed farm implements and fertilizers to rural farmers across his senatorial district.
This is contained in a statement signed by Senator Alli’s Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas, and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Ibadan.
The distribution, which took place on Wednesday and Thursday in Ibadan and Igboora respectively, is aimed at bolstering agricultural productivity in the district.
Among the items distributed were 3,000 bags of fertilizers, 1,000 packs of Paraforce, 1,000 packs of Force-up, 1,000 packs of Amino Force, and 1,000 sprayers.
Speaking during the event, Senator Alli emphasised the importance of addressing food security challenges by encouraging and empowering rural farmers.
“One of the problems we have today is food insecurity. One way to alleviate it is to provide farm implements and fertilizers to our farmers.
“This is expected to boost their yields in the next farming season, thereby enhancing food production and sufficiency,” he said.
The lawmaker highlighted his commitment to empowering his constituents, citing past initiatives and pledging to continue such efforts in the coming months.
The gesture was lauded by various stakeholders, including the Oyo State APC Secretary, Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite, who described the initiative as impactful and timely.
“This is very interesting, and I give kudos to Senator Sharafadeen Alli for this gesture. This program will benefit the people and enhance food sufficiency. I advise beneficiaries to use these items judiciously and not sell them,” Olanite said.
Similarly, the Oyo South Senatorial Chairman of the APC, Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, praised the senator’s consistent focus on empowerment.
He said that the farm support program marked the eighth empowerment initiative since Senator Alli assumed office, apart from support for various groups and his legislative duties.
“To eradicate poverty, it is better to teach people how to fish than to give them fish. These farm implements and fertilizers will significantly boost food production.
“In the next six months, maize and cassava farmers should be able to increase their yield,” Olaoya said.
Meanwhile, beneficiaries in their separate remarks, expressed profound gratitude to Senator Sharafadeen Alli for his thoughtful intervention, describing it as a lifeline that would significantly impact their farming activities.
They noted that the distribution of fertilizers and farm implements came at a critical time when many rural farmers were grappling with the high cost of agricultural inputs, making it difficult to sustain or expand their operations.
The farmers assured the senator of their commitment to making judicious use of the items provided, emphasising that the support would not only enhance their productivity but also contribute to the overall goal of food sufficiency in the region.
According to them, the inputs will enable them to cultivate larger farmlands, increase crop yields, and improve their livelihoods, thereby ensuring better living conditions for their families.
They also pledged to uphold the trust reposed in them by ensuring that the items are not misused or sold for personal gain.
In addition, Senator Alli has facilitated a two-day training on agro-economic tools for youth and women in Oyo South.
The training, which is ongoing at the Federal College of Forestry in Ibadan, is designed to equip participants with modern agricultural skills and techniques.
This initiative further underscored Senator Alli’s dedication to promoting sustainable development and economic empowerment in his senatorial district.
