Ismaeel Uthman
GOVERNOR of the State of Osun, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola has said that nothing will hamper the distribution of food items to the needy residents of the state under his administration’s Food Support Scheme.
Oyetola who was represented at the flag-off of the 9th edition of the scheme by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, on Wednesday, noted that over 270,000 households had benefited from the scheme since its commencement nine months ago.
He said no effort would be spared to add value to the initiative which has been widely accepted by the people.
The governor said: “You will recall that nine months ago, our government did promise that on a monthly basis, 30,000 households will be fed and this is the ninth edition making 270,000 households that had benefited from the Scheme. And when we talk of households, it is not an individual that makes up a household, essentially, the husband, wife, children and dependants.
“So, when we look at the numbers of the beneficiaries, one would not but agree that thousands of residents of the state have benefitted so far.”
Local rice popularly known as “ofada” was distributed to the beneficiaries in the 9th edition of the programme.
This is part of efforts to encourage farmers and boost local production of rice in Osun, said Oyetola.
He noted that the initiative will not only boost local production of rice but also encourage farmers and create ready-made market for their farm produce which will contribute to making Osun hub of the nation’s agricultural produce.
The governor stated that patronizing local rice was to further actualise his plans to genuinely diversify the economy of the state by unraveling the potential embedded in the critical sectors such as agriculture, mining and tourism.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Engr. Olalekan Badmus, said the government’s resolve to promote local content had begun to yield positive results as evidenced in the successful move to source Ofada rice locally.
Badmus said it gladdened his heart that the 9th edition was dedicated to pure local food.
According to him, the initiative will enhance production capacity and encourage the young ones to go into farming as government is resolute to create enabling environment for citizens, particularly farmers to thrive.
He said: “We are doing the 9th edition of the Food Support Scheme and this one is spectacular because we have gone out of our way to meet our local rice farmers to ensure that we are getting enough rice for distribution.
“This initiative is to ensure that we source the food contents directly from the farmers for distribution as part of efforts to boost the local productions and strengthen the production capacity in our State.
“As it is, our farmers will enjoy direct purchase from the government and this will also go a long way to encourage our farmers to grow rice and other staple foods.”
