Abiodun Advocates For The Establishment Of Additional Farm Laboratories To Ensure Food Sufficiency.

James Sowole in Abeokuta

The Governor of Ogun State, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, stressed the importance of establishing farm labs (settlements) across the country as the key to achieving food sufficiency. Abiodun emphasized the need for Nigerians to embrace agriculture and adopt the habit of consuming what they grow and growing what they consume, considering the challenges the country is currently facing.

In a visit to the Soilless Farm Lab located in Awowo, Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state, Governor Abiodun drew a parallel between this initiative and a similar one he witnessed in Israel. The farm settlement in Israel showcased a community where people live, work, worship, and play in a farm environment. Abiodun described the Soilless Initiative as an inspiring model that should be replicated nationwide.

Abiodun expressed his intention to support the establishment of similar settlements in other parts of Ogun State and also urged the federal government to back this initiative. He stated, “We are going to support the Chief Executive Officer of this project and the trainees, and we are going to replicate this in Ogun State, and I believe that other states would also key into it as it would solve food problems and unemployment.”

As a means of support, the governor announced the waiver of all fees associated with the issuance of title documents for the farm lab, encouraging its promoters. The management of the farm will receive these documents within 24 hours. Abiodun, acknowledging the efforts of the farm and its trainees, reassured them of the state government’s commitment and announced a donation of N20 million on behalf of the government to the trainees.

Furthermore, Governor Abiodun commended the diverse group of individuals involved in the farm lab, hailing it as a perfect example of a public-private partnership that should be replicated throughout the country. He praised the team lead of the farm, Samson Ogbole, for successfully training over 10,000 people since the inception of the work-and-learn program in September 2020. The farm has trained 6,000 young individuals from 28 states across Nigeria and its current batch even includes trainees from Cameroon and Togo.

The Alawo of Awowo, Oba Abdul-Fatai Olasunkanmi Tijani, was also acknowledged for his support of the Soilless Farm Lab and the development it brings to the town. Oba Olasunkanmi Tijani commended Governor Abiodun for allowing the establishment of the farm, despite the previous administration’s reluctance.

The farm’s team lead, Samson Ogbole, expressed the farm’s commitment to not only providing training but also creating opportunities for free. The farm’s “Work and Learn” program allows individuals to receive training while working on the farm, assisting in the farm’s operations.