Senator Sharafadeen Alli has distributed farm implements and fertilizers to rural farmers across his senatorial district, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The distribution of the farm implements and fertilizers were also a demonstration of the commitment of the lawmaker representing Oyo South Senatorial District to enhancing food sufficiency.
As stated in a statement on Thursday by Akeem Abas, the Special Adviser (Media) to Senator Alli, the distribution took place on Wednesday and Thursday in Ibadan and Igboora, respectively, to bolster agricultural productivity in the district.
Among the items distributed were 3,000 bags of fertilizers, 1,000 packs of Paraforce, 1,000 packs of Force-up, 1,000 packs of Amino Force and 1,000 sprayers.
Speaking during the event, Senator Alli emphasised the importance of addressing food security challenges by encouraging and empowering rural farmers.
“One of the problems we have today is food security. One way to alleviate it is to provide farm implements and fertilizers to our farmers.
“This is expected to boost their yields in the next farming season, thereby enhancing food production and sufficiency,” Alli said.
The lawmaker highlighted his commitment to empowering his constituents, citing past initiatives and pledging to continue such efforts in the coming months.
The gesture was lauded by various stakeholders, including the Oyo State secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite, who described the initiative as impactful and timely.
“This is very interesting and I give kudos to Senator Sharafadeen Alli for this gesture. This programme will benefit the people and enhance food sufficiency. I advise beneficiaries to use these items judiciously and not sell them,” Olanite said.
Similarly, Oyo South Senatorial Chairman of the party, Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, praised the consistent focus of Senator Alli on empowerment.
He said the farm support programme marked the eighth empowerment initiative since Senator Alli assumed office, apart from support for various groups and his legislative duties.
“To eradicate poverty, it is better to teach people how to fish than to give them fish. These farm implements and fertilizers will significantly boost food production.
“In the next six months, maize and cassava farmers should be able to increase their yield,” Olaoya said.
Beneficiaries, in their separate remarks, expressed profound gratitude to Senator Alli for his thoughtful intervention, describing it as a lifeline that would significantly impact their farming activities.
They noted that the distribution of fertilizers and farm implements came at a critical time when many rural farmers were grappling with the high cost of agricultural inputs, making it difficult to sustain or expand their operations.
The farmers assured the lawmaker of their commitment to making judicious use of the items. They emphasised that the support would not only enhance their productivity, but also contribute to the overall goal of food sufficiency in the region.
According to them, the inputs will enable them to cultivate larger farmlands, increase crop yields and improve their livelihoods, thereby ensuring better living conditions for their families.
They also pledged to uphold the trust reposed in them by ensuring that the items are not misused or sold for personal gain.
Meanwhile, Senator Alli has facilitated a two-day training programme on agro-economic tools for youth and women in Oyo South Senatorial District.
The training, which is ongoing at the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, was designed to equip participants with modern agricultural skills and techniques.
“The initiative further underscored the dedication of Senator Alli to promoting sustainable development and economic empowerment in his senatorial district,” Abas stated in the release.
