The Lagos State Government has acknowledged the critical role of farmers in the pursuit of economic stability, describing them as partners in the provision of an abundant life to all citizens.
Speaking during a recent meeting with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Lagos, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr.Nurudeen Yekini ‘Lanre-Agbaje reiterated the commitment of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to running an inclusive Government that is ready to carry everybody along in the business of governing the State.
He stressed the readiness of Mr. Governor to replicate whatever developmental stride that is recorded in the urban centres in rural communities to ensure even development across the State.
While explaining that the essence of his visit to the association is to assess the needs of the farmers in the State, Agbaje promised that the office would provide maximum support to the association to facilitate an increase in food production and support the food security drive of the present administration.
He implored members of the association and farmers to continue to support the policies, programmes and activities of the government towards achieving food sufficiency.
In his remark, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Otunba (Dr.) Femi Oke, expressed gratitude to Mr. Governor as well as the Special Adviser, acknowledging that the State Government has been very supportive of the Association in all its activities.
Otunba Oke, however, requested more support from the present administration through the establishment of a farm settlement to serve as the hub of socio-economic activities in the agriculture value chain, creation of farmers’ markets to facilitate direct interaction between farmers and consumers to ameliorate the activities of middlemen, provision of access roads to rural communities and farm centres, training and empowerment of farmers among others.
The Special Adviser, however, pledged to brief Mr. Governor of all the association’s requests and ensure they receive favourable consideration.