Oludare, IFAD LIFE-ND Make OSIAFFA List of Honorees
No fewer than 30 awards were presented to distinguished personalities, apart from the special recognition of the school category and cooking competition, which featured during the Ondo state International Agric show and Food Fair OSIAFFA 2024 celebration.
The two-day program, held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, categorized the awards into ambassadorial awards for different value chains and the three best consistent supporters of Ondo state Agricultural Commodities Association OSACA.
The three organizations that were honored in recognition of their different support for the yearly celebration of OSIAFFA are John Vent, Disengoff West Africa, and IFAD LIFE-ND in Ondo State.
In a chat with The Hope, a recipient who bagged an ambassadorial award, Farmer Idowu Oludare , described the award as encouraging him to do more in onion production. He said his organization has trained all youths across the state in free onion production in order to increase awareness, which is still not fully instilled in some people.
According to him, onions can serve as a means of revenue generation and empowerment for many who are willing to go into production. He urged intending farmers not to wait for financial empowerment for farming because Ondo State is transitioning from a state dependent on food to one that is food-independent.
“We want to feed ourselves, produce what we eat, and we are making giant strides toward achieving that. To do so, we are going all out, involving every agency that is needed, every agency that is important and affiliated with achieving this, to ensure we reach out to them.”
Oludare, who has been a two-time Public Relations Officer for OSACA and one-time Vice Chairman of Youth Affairs for the state, had earlier been awarded by OSAEC, which inspired him to do more, double his efforts, and encourage others to engage more in onion production.
He disclosed that the Vegetable Farmers Association, which covers tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon, cabbage, beans, and all legumes, has been established to help people specialize in different commodity groups within their areas of expertise while working together.
He urged farmers to ensure they excel in their specialty, stating that his group focuses on consistent training and capacity building to keep members informed.
