The Oyo State Government has commenced a four-day training programme for youths across its 33 local government areas on farm mechanisation and tractor operations.
The training, organised through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER), is aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and replacing the state’s ageing tractor workforce.
Speaking at the symbolic flag-off ceremony in Ido Local Government, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said 140 participants would benefit from the programme. According to him, 50 participants were drawn from the Oke-Ogun zone, 45 from Ogbomoso zone, and 45 from Ibadan-Ibarapa zones.
Olaleye commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his commitment to agricultural development, describing the training as part of the administration’s broader mechanisation and youth empowerment drive.
“This programme represents far more than a skill acquisition initiative but embodies the current administration’s strategic vision for comprehensive youth empowerment and agricultural modernisation,” he said.
He noted that the training would not only equip participants with tractor operation and driving skills but also create sustainable pathways to employment and economic independence while reducing youth unemployment.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Abosede Owoeye, described the initiative as a reflection of the state government’s commitment to agriculture reforms. She noted that the training is being conducted simultaneously in three zones: Ido Local Government Secretariat (Ibarapa Zone), Ogbomoso Farm Settlement (Ogbomoso Zone), and OYSADEP Office in Atisbo (Oke-Ogun Zone).
Owoeye also lauded the ongoing 50 per cent Tractorisation Subsidy Programme, which she said has improved land preparation for farmers and boosted food production across the state.
“This training will provide essential skills in tractor operations, safety practices, maintenance and servicing. These will enhance employability and position participants as active contributors to agricultural transformation in Oyo State,” she added.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the opportunity. One of them, Adelere Oluwaferanmi, said her participation was to challenge gender stereotypes.
“The reason I am here is because things like tractor driving are thought to be exclusively for men, but I am here to prove them wrong. I believe whatever a man can do, a woman can do best,” she said.
