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The Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) has commenced operations to fast track agricultural production and its value-chain to further ensure food security, job opportunities and industrialisation in the State.
The Environmental Consultant of OGSTEP, Prof. Kola Adebayo, made this known during a familiarisation tour to Saibu Community and Olibori Village in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, saying the exercise was to verify and get acquainted with farmers in the rural communities who had showed interest in the Project.
Adebayo hinted that OGSTEP is a World Bank-assisted project that would run for five years, aimed at contributing to the economic transformation of the State, saying it would assist farmers with viable business plan that would link them to off takers, towards improved turnover of farm commodities.
He stated that the Project would also bring about rural infrastructure, ranging from storage facilities, irrigation system and feeder roads for easy transportation of goods, urging beneficiaries to participate actively, in order to benefit from the scheme.
"By the time this Project runs its course, value addition will be a core component of agriculture in Ogun State, and the objectives of job creation and enhancement of farmers' income will be achieved, while the economic landscape of the State through agriculture will also thrive", Adebayo said.Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Mr. Joseph Adenekan, applauded the State government for the initiative, expressing optimism that it would boost their knowledge, launch them into practical modern farming and improve their standard of living.