The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, has received a Distinguished Leadership Award from the State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in recognition of his commitment to repositioning the agricultural sector and promoting food security in the state.

The award was presented during a ceremony held at the Commissioner’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, by a delegation of the NLC led by its Chairman, Comrade Hameed Benco Ademola.

Speaking during the presentation, Hon. Owotomo charged civil servants across the state to embrace agriculture as an additional source of income and a means of improving household nutrition, stressing that agriculture remains one of the easiest ventures as it requires relatively low capital, while offering significant economic and nutritional benefits.

The Commissioner highlighted several achievements recorded by the Ministry under the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS), where over 160,000 farmers have so far been registered under the initiative, explaining that since assuming office, the Ministry had been operating on four major parameters aimed at transforming the agricultural sector,which included , improving productivity and optimizing all state-owned agricultural facilities for maximum efficiency and output among others 

Owotomo further disclosed that the state government had intensified efforts to curb post-harvest losses through the construction of processing facilities and lock-up shops across the state to support storage, processing, and marketing of agricultural produce.,noting that the various agricultural interventions and reforms being implemented by the Ministry were in line with the developmental agenda of the State Governor,Prince Dapo Abiodun, aimed at stimulating economic growth, ensuring food sufficiency, and improving the living standards of residents.

"I reaffirm the commitment of the Ministry to sustaining policies and programmes capable of boosting agricultural production and encouraging wider participation of residents in farming activities"he stessed

Earlier in his remarks, the  State NLC Chairman, Comrade Hameed Benco Ademola, said the award was bestowed on the Commissioner in recognition of his dedication, passion, and commitment towards repositioning the agricultural sector in  State, stating that the Commissioner was a silent achiever who   had contributed immensely to food availability, sustainability, and improved agricultural development within and beyond the state.

“The Congress particularly appreciates the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security under your leadership for its unwavering efforts towards ensuring food sufficiency and supporting the fight against hunger and food insecurity,” he said.

The event was attended by Directors of the Ministry led by the Coordinating Director, Dr. Taiwo Jolaoso, alongside other management staff and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.