Osun 2026: ADC Candidate, Salaam Unveils Agricultural Development Plan
- Israel Oladele
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State, Dr. Najeem Salaam, has pledged to transform the agricultural sector through comprehensive reforms aimed at boosting food production, empowering farmers, and driving economic growth across the state.
Salaam made the commitment on Tuesday while addressing party supporters during the ADC campaign tour of Odo-Otin and Ifelodun Local Government Areas. He said agriculture would occupy a central position in his administration’s development agenda if elected governor in the August 15 governorship election.
According to him, Osun State possesses vast agricultural resources and fertile land capable of supporting large-scale food production, job creation, and industrial growth. However, he lamented that many of these opportunities remain largely untapped due to inadequate investment, poor infrastructure, and the absence of sustainable government support for farmers.
The ADC candidate stressed that agriculture remains one of the most effective tools for economic diversification and poverty reduction, noting that the state can significantly reduce its dependence on federal allocations by fully harnessing its agricultural potential.
“Osun State is richly blessed with enormous agricultural resources and opportunities. Unfortunately, many of these resources have not been properly utilised. If we are serious about achieving sustainable economic development, there must be a deliberate and strategic investment in agriculture backed by practical policies and a clear implementation framework,” Salaam said.
He explained that his administration would introduce policies designed to increase agricultural productivity, strengthen value chains, promote agro-processing industries, and create a favourable business environment for farmers and agribusiness investors.
Salaam further assured farmers that his government would provide subsidised agricultural inputs, including fertilisers, improved seedlings, pesticides, and modern farming equipment to reduce production costs and improve yields.
He added that special attention would be given to mechanised farming through the provision of tractors and other modern agricultural tools to encourage large-scale cultivation and enhance efficiency in food production.
To protect farmers from market uncertainties, Salaam promised to establish a guaranteed off-take system that would ensure agricultural produce is purchased at fair and competitive prices. He noted that such a framework would help farmers secure stable incomes while encouraging increased investment in the sector.
“Our administration will put in place a reliable marketing and price guarantee system to ensure that farmers receive adequate returns on their investments. We want agriculture to become a profitable venture that attracts young people and private investors,” he stated.
The former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly also outlined plans to invest heavily in irrigation facilities and water-retention infrastructure to support all-season farming and reduce the impact of climate-related challenges.
According to him, improved irrigation systems would help farmers maintain production throughout the year while mitigating the effects of drought, flooding, and changing weather patterns.
He said the agricultural transformation agenda would not only improve food security but also stimulate rural development, create employment opportunities, and boost internally generated revenue for the state.
Salaam urged residents to support the ADC’s vision for a prosperous Osun, assuring them that his administration would prioritize practical policies capable of improving livelihoods and unlocking the state’s economic potential through agriculture and rural development.
