Gafar Alabi

The Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has unveiled Farm Produce and Agricultural Science Exhibition as part of the Agricultural Education Training Programme (AETP).

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at Imo Methodist Nursery and Primary School, Oke-Yeke, Abeokuta, the SUBEB Chairman, Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, said the initiative was aimed at reinvigorating the practical aspect of Agricultural Science in the basic education curriculum.

He explained that the programme designed to equip learners with essential entrepreneurial and lifelong skills, stimulate self-employment and promote dignity of labour and self-esteem among pupils.

Highlighting the achievements recorded, Ifede noted that about 80 public Primary and Junior Secondary Schools benefited from the programme.

          The agricultural enterprises covered animal husbandry, crop production, fishery, egg production, broiler rearing, as well as plantain and banana plantations.

He added that the Board made funds available for the procurement of farm implements and seeds, while they also engaged experts from the Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP) to train teachers and learners on modern climate-smart farming techniques.

In their goodwill messages, the Representative of UBEC, Mrs. Adeola Adegboyega, Permanent Member II, Hon. Isiaka Aderounmu and Permanent Member III, Hon. Abiodun Ajayi, revealed that the programme would not only enhance food production but also expose young learners to agriculture as a viable career path.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr. Femi Fatade, described the initiative as a reflection of the Board’s commitment to strengthening practical and skills-based education through exposure to modern agricultural practices, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Also speaking, Project Manager of Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP), Mrs. Bukonla Sobukonla, represented by Mrs. Ayodeji Adediran, assured stakeholders of the Agency’s readiness to provide continuous training on practical agriculture.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), Alhaji Juwon Labode and the Parent-Club Chairman, Rev. Segun Folorunso, commended SUBEB and UBEC for the initiative, expressing optimism that schools would soon become hubs for home-grown agricultural production.