Firm seeks increased agric funding for Oyo farmers  

The Managing Director of an agro-allied company, OOK Group Nigeria Limited, Omolara Kikelomo, has called on the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde to pay attention to the needs of real farmers across the state, to reduce hardship in the country and ensure food security.

Kikelomo, who made the appeal at a press conference in Ibadan, said increased investment in agriculture, would add value to small scale farmers’ productivity and encourage them to develop their farming businesses.

She also urged the state government to extend state agricultural grants to the farmers, who are majorly in the villages and farm settlements to achieve sustainable wealth.

According to her, many real farmers in the state have been obtaining loans with huge interests from microfinance banks to buy fertilisers, and farm implements, including cutlasses, hoes, and sprayers.

She said: “Government should pay personal attention to the needs of the farmers. Our government knows the sustainable wealth in agriculture, they know what is right and they should pay attention to how we as a nation can tap into a sustainable wealth in agriculture.

“If the government just pays 20 per cent full attention and does the right thing, there is no reason why any Nigerian should be on the street or have to go through the desert in search of green pastures. You can imagine, buying a bag of fertiliser for N18, 000, the farmers have to borrow money just to get it.

“So, I am pleading with Governor Seyi Makinde, to please pay personal attention to the needs of farmers in this state. I know you mean well for the farmers. Please, reach out to the real farmers. Look into agriculture through the real farmers, not only through those that farm on books.”