FCT team understudies Ogun agric model

A delegation from the Federal Capital Territory Agricultural Development Programme (FCT-ADP), as well as the Agric and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) has visited Ogun State on a share-learning mission.

Leader of the delegation, who is the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, ARDS, Yahaya Hussaini, said the seamless land acquisition process, land management, farm settlement, as well as farm estates operation of the state informed their choice of Ogun for the share learning, noting that they are ready to implement same.

“We are here because of the various success stories of Ogun State in terms of agriculture. It was indeed a fruitful visit, we have being to other states but what we saw in Ogun State is a wide margin, and we came to the conclusion that agriculture is the way out of our challenges.

He added that the FCT-ADP was looking at ways of harnessing the potential of youths in the FCT in agriculture, as well as dissuades them from over relying on white-collar jobs, saying agriculture could be used to take many out unemployment.

Yahaya submitted that the Ogun Broiler Project, as well as fisheries production would be replicated in the FCT-ADP, believing it will further help to boost its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Welcoming the team, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina said it was time for Nigeria to create a synergy and cross fertilise ideas that would engender modern commercial farming and industrialisation.

“It is interesting that you came to know how we handle our projects. People from other states also came last year and we will also visit some states to learn from them. I thank you for choosing to come and tap from the wealth of experience of the state; Ogun is not a “know it all state.” We are also open and ready to collaborate and learn from other states.

The team visited the Ajegunle farm settlement, Odeda Farm Institute, Anchor Borrowers fields, Ikenne farm settlement, among others, just as the Head of Extension, FCT-ADP, Ndaya Muhammad Yelwa appreciated the Ogun Agric team for the hospitality and warm reception accorded them.