The Ogun State Government has reinforced its commitment to sustainable agricultural development and rural prosperity with the commissioning of critical infrastructure under the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) in Ijebu North East Local Government Area.

The projects, which include a modern Cassava Processing Centre, an Open Stalls Market at Iworo, and five solar-powered boreholes located at Iworo, Oke-Eri, Gbawojo, Ododeyo, and Isonyin, are expected to enhance agricultural productivity, improve value addition, strengthen market access, and uplift the socio-economic wellbeing of farming communities.

Commissioning the projects, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, said the intervention reflects the unwavering commitment of the administration of Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, to building a resilient agricultural sector capable of guaranteeing food security, creating jobs, and accelerating rural economic growth.

He noted that the Cassava Processing Centre would provide farmers and processors with modern equipment to improve processing efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, enhance product quality, and increase profitability. 

      According to him, the solar-powered boreholes will ensure sustainable access to clean water for domestic and agro-processing purposes, while the Open Stalls Market will provide a conducive environment for commercial activities, expand market opportunities, and promote greater participation of women and youths in agribusiness.

Hon. Owotomo described the projects as strategic investments that will strengthen agricultural value chains and improve the standard of living of rural residents, urging beneficiaries to take ownership of the facilities through proper management and maintenance to ensure their sustainability for future generations.

The Commissioner attributed the successful delivery of the projects to the visionary leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose administration continues to place agriculture at the centre of Ogun State's economic development agenda, while also commending the Ijebu North East Local Government Council, development partners, community leaders, extension officers, programme coordinators, and beneficiary groups for their cooperation and dedication throughout the implementation process.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Ijebu North East Local Government, Hon. Folusho Badejo, expressed appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun and Hon. Bolu Owotomo for bringing the life-changing projects to the area, assuring that the Local Government, in collaboration with community leaders, would ensure the facilities are adequately protected and effectively utilized for the benefit of farmers, traders, and residents.

Earlier, the Acting State Programme Coordinator of VCDP, Mrs. Biola Sobukola, explained that the programme was designed to strengthen the rice and cassava value chains through community-driven interventions, emphasizing that the projects were executed based on requests from the benefiting communities and appealed to residents to safeguard them for sustainable use.

Speaking on behalf of the host communities, the Oliworo of Iworo-Ijebu, Oba Gabriel Onafuwa, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for extending meaningful development to rural communities through the provision of roads and other critical infrastructure, while also praising Hon. Bolu Owotomo for his outstanding leadership in the agricultural sector, noting that the Commissioner's efforts have continued to attract impactful projects that are transforming farming communities and improving livelihoods across Ogun State.