Towards fulfilling its promise to make Ogun State, the food basket of Nigeria, the Government has commenced move to ensure peaceful co-existence between herdsmen and farmers in the State.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye, who made this known during a meeting with the representatives of Miyetti Allah and Cattle Breeders Association, and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogun State chapter, held in Abeokuta, noted that the current administration was doing everything possible to ensure security of farmers across the State.
Ogunleye said the meeting was a proactive step by the government to put in place measures that would forestall possible invasion and destruction of farms and their produce by some herdsmen as the dry season, which usually witnesses the influx of Fulani herders, is fast approaching.
She commended the leadership of the two associations for the synergy towards ensuring peaceful co-existence among farmers, herdsmen and the various host communities, adding that government would leave no stone un-turned in ensuring farmers were not discouraged.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Miyetti Allah and Cattle Breeders Association, Ogun State Chapter, Alhaji Abdul-Mumini Ibrahim, commended government for being proactive towards ensuring cordial relationship between farmers and herdsmen, pledging his Association’s cooperation with government and security agents to prevent criminals from hiding under the guise of the herdsmen forum to gain entrance into the State and perpetuate crime.
Appealing to government for financial and logistic supports towards maintaining peace, the Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, Prince Segun Dasaolu, noted that business can only thrive in a peaceful environment, adding that a joint task force had been set up to resolve crises between farmers, herdsmen and host communities.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP) has inducted one hundred and three newly engaged Agricultural Extension Officers.
The Programme Manager, OGADEP, Mrs. Taiwo Ayansanwo, while speaking at the induction training, held at Ibosa Hall Baptist Girls Grammar School, Idi-aba, Abeokuta, noted that the training was necessary, to give the trainee an overview of their responsibilities as Agricultural Extension Officers in the Civil Service who would work closely with farmers on the field.
She said the newly recruited Officers need to know their roles as extension service is concerned, adding that the training would later move to each zone to train them on the intricacies of agricultural extension.
The Director, Value Chain Development Programme, Mr, Samuel Adeogun stated that the training would facilitate better understanding of the roles and functions of the extension officers.
