In a significant step towards advancing agricultural transformation and strengthening food security, the Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has flagged off the distribution of agricultural inputs to 2,740 cassava farmers under the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, reaffirming its commitment to building a technology-driven, climate-smart and commercially viable agricultural sector that attracts investment, strengthens agricultural value chains and improves farmers' incomes.

Flagging off the distribution, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Honourable Bolu Owotomo, described the intervention as a strategic investment in the future of agriculture in Ogun State. He said the initiative reflects the unwavering commitment of the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration to empowering farmers, increasing food production and driving sustainable economic growth.

The Commissioner noted that agriculture remains the cornerstone of the administration's Building Our Future Together Agenda, adding that beyond the distribution of agricultural inputs, the SAPZ Programme is delivering critical infrastructure that will create an enabling environment for agribusinesses to thrive and stimulate rural development.

He disclosed that the State Government, through the programme, has distributed over 11,400 agricultural input packages to 2,480 rice farmers and 8,628 cassava farmers across the state, while 12,000 farmers have benefitted from capacity-building and extension services aimed at improving productivity, promoting climate-smart agricultural practices and enhancing livelihoods.

Speaking at the event, the Acting State Programme Coordinator, Mr. Ibrahim Buṣi, explained that the distribution forms part of the collaborative efforts of the Ogun State Government, the Special Agro-industrial processing Zones Programmes, IFAD and other development partners to provide farmers with the resources needed to improve productivity and expand agricultural enterprises.

According to him, the intervention will create employment opportunities, strengthen food security, improve household incomes and enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of farming communities across the state.

Also speaking, the Agricultural Productivity Officer, Mr. Olawale Odunaya, revealed that each agricultural input package, comprising NPK fertiliser, improved cassava stems and agrochemicals, is valued at ₦126,000. He explained that under the programme's matching grant  arrangement, male beneficiaries contributed only ₦37,200, while female beneficiaries paid ₦26,500, with the balance subsidised through the SAPZ Programme.

Mr. Odunaya further announced that the intervention would soon be extended to additional participating local government areas, including Odeda, Ikenne, Yewa South, Ijebu North East and Ijebu East, to enable more farmers benefit from the initiative.

The beneficiaries which were drawn from the participating local government include Obafemi Owode, Odogbolu, Yewa North and Ijebu North Local Government Areas, received one bag of NPK fertiliser, four litres of agrochemicals and improved cassava cuttings to enhance productivity and increase cassava output.

Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mr. Oluwaseun John and Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Ewejẹ expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, Ogun State Government, IFAD and the SAPZ Programme for the timely intervention, describing the support as a major boost that would improve their farming activities, increase yields and enhance their livelihoods.

The flag-off ceremony further underscores the Ogun State Government's resolve to leverage strategic partnerships and targeted investments to modernise agriculture, empower smallholder farmers, promote agro-industrial development and accelerate the state's drive towards sustainable food security, economic diversification and inclusive prosperity.