From Olubunmi Osoteku
The Oyo state government has trained about rwo hundred and fifty (250) retirees in the state in agricultural practices and Micro-Livestock Management in order to enhance food security.
The training, held at the Local Government Hall, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, also had in attendance some intending retirees in the Oyo State civil service.
During the training, the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, revealed that the training is part of the government’s efforts to enhance food security, saying agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
Oni noted that Oyo State is blessed with fertile land and a favorable climate, offering vast opportunities for agricultural productivity, affirming that the training would equip the participants with knowledge on alternative sources of income at retirement.
Highlighting the therapeutic and financial benefits of engaging in agricultural practices, the Head of Service encouraged the retirees to explore ventures such as crop cultivation, poultry, aquaculture, and agro-processing.
She stressed that small-scale initiatives, including backyard gardening and snail farming, can grow into medium-scale enterprises with consistent effort and adequate support.
Speaking on the various efforts of the present administration under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde to revamp agricultural practices and enhance food security, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, revealed that 161 agricultural officers have been recruited across all cadres.
Olaleye highlighted initiatives such as a 50% subsidy on tractorisation for farmers in the state, provision of motorcycles to Agricultural Extension officers to improve extension services, and the distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers across the state.
The commissioner further stated that the training of retirees and those nearing retirement in good agricultural practices is designed to encourage them to consider agriculture as a viable post-retirement venture, assuring that the government will provide necessary farming inputs to those who express interest, as needs arise.
In her address of welcome, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Abosede Owoeye, emphasised that agriculture remains a key pillar of economic diversification and sustainability.
She disclosed that following the training, the Ministry will equip participants with tools to explore practical, low-risk agricultural enterprises that are economically viable.
Owoeye said the training will expose the retirees to opportunities such as the Every Home a Garden initiative, micro-livestock farming, including snail, rabbit, and broiler chicken rearing, and many more promising ventures.
Oyenike Oyeniyi