As part of its commitment to sustain agricultural development and rural prosperity, the Ogun State Government has commissioned a modern Cassava Processing Centre, five solar-powered boreholes and an open stall market at Iworo, Oke-Eri, Gbawojo, Ododeyo, and Isonyin in Ijebu North East Local Council of the state.

The projects established under the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) are expected to enhance agricultural productivity, improve value addition, strengthen market access, and uplift the socio-economic wellbeing of farming communities.

Speaking at the commissioning of the projects yesterday, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, said the projects reflect the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration to building a resilient agricultural sector capable of guaranteeing food security, creating jobs, and accelerating rural economic growth.

Owotomo stated 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.

He also said that 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 and promote greater participation of women and youths in agribusiness.

The Commissioner 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.

He attributed the successful delivery of the projects to the governor’s resolve in ensuring agriculture as the centre of Ogun State’s economic development agenda, just as he commented the council authority and other stakeholders for their cooperation and dedication throughout the implementation process.

The Acting State Programme Coordinator of VCDP, Mrs. Biola Sobukola, noted 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.

Earlier, the Chairman of Ijebu North East Local Council, Hon. Folusho Badejo, thanked the governor for bringing the projects to the area, assuring that his government with community leaders, would ensure the facilities were adequately protected and effectively utilized for the benefit of farmers, traders, and residents.

However, speaking on behalf of the host communities, the Oliworo of Iworo-Ijebu, Oba Gabriel Onafuwa, commended Gov. Abiodun for extending meaningful development including agricultural projects to rural communities, saying that the current administration’s efforts have transform farming in communities and improve livelihoods across the state.