Ondo State Farmers’ Congress Launches 10 Billion Naira Mixed-Use Housing Project , Inaugurates New Executives
.. to deliver 450,000 votes for Aiyedatiwa
In a bold step towards supporting the state’s agricultural community, the Ondo State Farmers’ Congress has launched a 10 billion naira mixed-use housing project and inaugurated new executives to steer the mantle if leadership in the next four years.
Speaking at the occasion held in Akure, the state Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa urged farmers to vote for continuity to renew his mandate for government to further it’s developmental agenda.
He assured building a brighter future for the agricultural sector to ensure prosperity of the state if supported to win the election.
Aiyedatiwa who recognizd the farmers’ role in economic stability assured that their contributions would never be overlooked.
While outlining the ongoing projects, including rural-urban road improvements across the three senatorial districts to ease farmers’ market access and facilitate produce transport, the governor further highlighted investments in storage facilities, mechanised farming, and affordable inputs as measures to strengthen productivity and food security.
The ambitious project is designed to benefit local farmers by providing a quality market hub for selling farm produce, community centers, training facilities, and essential support services.
Rearlier, the President of the Ondo State Farmers’ Congress, Abayomi Monilari, expressed gratitude to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his steadfast support for farmers and his efforts in fostering unity within the agricultural community.
“With the governor’s support, we farmers have gained the unity and strength needed to pursue a shared vision for agricultural excellence in Ondo State,” he said..
Monilari urged the government to reinstate the Cocoa Development Fund for the Ondo State Farmers’ Congress, highlighting the fund’s role in enhancing farmers’ contributions to both agriculture and community development in the state.
Reflecting on his re-election, Monilari shared his vision for the next four years stating the importance of the unity of farmers and the need for their rights to be recognized.
“Without farmers, there would be no food. We are the backbone of the nation, and it is time that we are recognized as such.”
He promised to continue advocating for the recognition and support of farmers, whom he described as the “unrecognized warriors” of Ondo State.
Deputy President, Ondo State Farmers Congress, Reverend Canon Olubenga Akirogunde, who was also inaugurated, echoed Monilari’s sentiments.
“Our farmers have often been overlooked, but it’s only by supporting them that we can secure good yields and, ultimately, benefit the entire state,” he said.
Akirogunde highlighted the progress made in recent years, such as Ondo farmers now supplying tomatoes to Lagos, a feat previously thought unattainable, expressing optimism about attracting both local and international investment to strengthen the agricultural sector further, aiming to make Ondo State a key food producer for the southwest and beyond.
Reverend Fakiyesi Olabanji, the newly inaugurated Organizing Secretary for Ondo West Local Government, reassured farmers that government support would reach them directly.
“We will ensure that whatever comes from the government will go straight to the farmers at the grassroots level,” he promised.
The event also included the presentation of awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to the agricultural sector, honoring their impact and dedication to advancing farming in Ondo State.
Read below full speech of Abayomi Monilari-
SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE PRESIDENT OF ONDO STATE FARMERS’ CONGRESS, FARMER MONILARI ABAYOMI at THE UNVEILING OF THE 10 BILLION NAIRA MIXED-USE HOUSING PROJECT AND INAUGURATION OF NEW EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
Your Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State; distinguished dignitaries; esteemed members of the Ondo State Farmers’ Congress; representatives from various sectors; members of the media; and, most importantly, the farmers of Ondo State, I am honored to stand here today on this historic occasion as we unveil a monumental project and welcome a new era in our organization.
Today, we celebrate not only the unveiling of the 10 billion naira mixed-use housing project, which will provide much-needed housing and community spaces for our hardworking farmers, but also the inauguration of the new executive members of the Ondo State Farmers’ Congress. This dual celebration represents both progress and continuity, as we continue to build on our achievements while setting new standards of excellence.
BRIEF HISTORY OF ONDO STATE FARMERS’ CONGRESS
The Ondo State Farmers’ Congress (OSFC) was founded with the mission of creating a unified voice for farmers across the state. Over the years, our Congress has grown into a formidable organization, advocating for farmers’ rights, providing training, and fostering innovation within the agricultural sector. We have been a powerful catalyst for change, working alongside successive governments to improve the livelihoods of our farmers and to ensure that agriculture continues to drive Ondo State’s economy.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF GOVERNOR OF ONDO STATE, H.E. HON. LUCKY ORIMISAN AIYEDATIWA
Your Excellency, I would be remiss if I did not highlight your tireless commitment to the advancement of agriculture and food security in Ondo State. Under your leadership, Ondo State has seen an unprecedented transformation in agricultural practices and output. You have launched various initiatives and support systems aimed at enhancing crop yields, livestock productivity, and value-chain development.
Your Excellency, your vision of transforming Ondo State into a “food-secure state” has not only empowered farmers but has also created a sense of dignity and pride in farming as a profession. Your government’s investments in storage facilities, mechanization programs, and subsidized inputs have all contributed to a stable food supply, even during challenging times. You have consistently supported palliative measures to cushion the effects of economic challenges on our farming communities, ensuring that no farmer is left behind.
Today, we also commend your vision with the establishment of one of the largest goat branches in Africa, located in Epe. This project stands as a testament to your commitment to sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry. Through this venture, Ondo State has now set a benchmark in animal farming across the continent, creating jobs, boosting local meat production, and promoting Ondo’s reputation in the agricultural sector.
THE 10 BILLION NAIRA MIXED-USED HOUSING PROJECT
This 10 billion naira mixed-use housing project we unveil today is another one of our landmark initiatives aimed at providing quality market hub to our farmers to sell their farm produce, community centers, training facilities, and support services that will enhance our productivity.
We are forever grateful to our *Governor, H.E. LUCKY ORIMISAN AIYEDATIWA* for your relentless passion for farming and farmers. Your support has brought unity among the farmers of Ondo State, and it is this unity that enables us to pursue a shared vision for agricultural excellence.
*ONDO STATE FARMERS’ CONGRESS COMMITMENT TO THE GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION*
As we approach the gubernatorial election on November 16, 2024, I stand here today on behalf of the Ondo State Farmers’ Congress to pledge our unwavering support. We reaffirm our loyalty to your leadership, your values, and your vision for Ondo State.
We are proud to announce that the Ondo State Farmers’ Congress has committed to delivering 450,000 votes to Your Excellency in this upcoming election. This commitment is born out of our deep appreciation for the progress we have seen under your administration. The promise of these votes is not merely symbolic; it is a well-analyzed projection based on the mobilization of farmers across all wards and communities in Ondo State.
Our analysis shows that farmers are not only the backbone of our economy but also a powerful electoral force. We are determined to channel this force to support your re-election bid, as we believe that the continuity of your leadership is essential for the ongoing transformation of Ondo’s agricultural sector.
SPECIAL ATTENTION AND URGENT REQUEST
Our problem solving Governor Sir, the most important source of funding for our programmes and projects was the COCOA DEVELOPMENT FUND (CDF), crafted by Ondo State Farmers’ Congress and collected on its behalf by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at a price. This fund was the main reason we stood taller than any Agricultural Associations in the country.
Alas! This glory we earned through the judicious use of the Fund over the years has been blurred by the activities of the Ministry through unlawful withdrawal of this Fund from our reach. This has drawn the farmers of this state backward to a beggarly status and all our efforts to restore it to Ondo State Farmers’ Congress has been met with concerted resistance by the Ministry and some individuals for personal interests.
Your Excellency Sir, we have borne this pain with patience but we have reached a point when and where proverbial Lucky Ayedatiwa would happen to us once again.
We therefore request that His Excellency would use his powers and privileges to reinstate the Cocoa Development Fund to Ondo State Farmers Congress so that we can continue to play our role and responsibilities to the entire farming communities in the Sunshine State as it used to be.
You Excellency Sir, in the book of Genesis Chapter 41verse 49, as God used Joseph to save his people from hunger, God will use you to put an end to the ravaging hunger in the land.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
In conclusion, I would like to once again thank Your Excellency for your tireless commitment to the people of Ondo State, especially the farming community. Your leadership has brought prosperity to our state, provided security for our food systems, and given farmers across Ondo a renewed sense of purpose.
We look forward to a continued partnership with your government as we work together towards a brighter future for Ondo State’s agricultural sector. Let us move forward with strength, unity, and a shared commitment to greatness.
Thank you, and may God bless Ondo State.
Farmer Monilari Abayomi
President, Ondo State Farmers’ Congress
+234 706 651 6903
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Re-instate Cocia Dev. Fund- farmers appeal to govt.
By Fatima Muraina..
Ondo State Farmers Congress has appealed to the State government on reinstatement of the Cocoa Development Fund for the farmers.
The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Organisation, Farmer Abayomi Monilari MN adw the appeal in an Interview with The Hope in Akure.
Monilarisaid the fund was a source support in developing the farmers and maintenance of the organisation in enhancing farmers’ contributions to both agriculture and community development in the state.
Monilari who reflected in his re-election shared his vision for the next four years stating the importance of the farmers’ unity and the need for recognizing their rights .
“Without farmers, there would be no food. We are the backbone of the nation, and it is time that we are recognized as such.”
Monilari, who described the farmers as the ‘unrecognized warriors’ promised to continue advocating for the recognition and support of farmers.
The Deputy President, of the congress Reverend Canon Olubenga Akirogunde, also said: “Our farmers have often been overlooked, but it’s only by supporting them that we can secure good yields and, ultimately, benefit the entire state.”
Akirogunde reeked out some progress made in recent years, like the domination of Ondo farmers tomatoes in Lagoswhich was thought unattainable.
With this, He expressed optimism about attracting both local and international investment to strengthen the agricultural sector further, aimed at making Ondo State a key food producer for the southwest and beyond.
In addition, the newly inaugurated Organizing secretary for Onoi West local government Reverend Fakiyesi Olabanji, reassured farmers of government commitment in supporting them directly.
“We will ensure that whatever comes from the government will go straight to the farmers at the grassroots level,” he promised.
