By Funmi Ojo
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to food security.
Senator Kyari said this during the flag-off of distribution of agricultural inputs to smallholder farmers in Osun State.
The event, held at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security State Office in Osogbo, marked a key step in the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security, as a central pillar of national development.
Represented by the Director of Extension Services, Mr. Ayodele Olawumi, the minister noted that the initiative was part of the government’s short-term intervention designed to support farmers with critical inputs and equipment to sustain food production and reduce the cost of living.
He explained that since assuming office in August 2023, the Ministry has undertaken a comprehensive review of its agricultural programmes to realign them with its core mandate of ensuring that food remains available, accessible, and affordable to all Nigerians.
Senator Kyari emphasized that the distribution of inputs, including seeds, fertilisers, and agro-processing equipment, would go a long way in empowering small-scale farmers, boosting productivity, and stabilising food supply chains across the country.
The minister reiterated that President Tinubu’s administration remains resolute in its drive to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goal of Zero Hunger.
Senator Kyari commended the farmers in Osun State for their resilience and contribution to national food production, assuring them of continued government support through policies, incentives, and programmes that promote agricultural innovation and sustainability.
In a remark, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Tola Faseru represented by the Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke on Agriculture, Mr. Stephen Akanfe urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the farm inputs and not to sell them.
Earlier, the State Coordinator Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Taiwo Aiyegoro explained that the initiative was a testament to the federal government’s unwavering commitment to supporting smallholder farmers, who have been the backbone of the agricultural sector.
The distribution ceremony was attended by representatives of farmers’ association, including, Chairman of AFAN, Alhaji Wahab Bello, Coordinator of Osun Women in Agriculture, Alhaja Idayat Ibrahim-Raji and Chairman Persons with Disability Farmers Cooperative, Mr. Olanrewaju Oladosu, who lauded the federal government’s efforts in supporting grassroots farming and rural livelihoods.
