30th April, 2020
The Ogun Ministry of Agriculture says there was no movement of Cattle into Isheri Kara, Ogere, Sapade and Iperu areas of the state as being alleged.
Dr Dotun Sorunke, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday in Abeokuta.
Sorunke said that the state Ministry of Agriculture had only permitted the supply of Agriculture inputs like seedlings, fertilizers, and herbicides to farmers in the state.
He said that the ministry had not authorised or received cows or people from other states into Ogun.
According to him, the supply of Agro inputs from other states into Ogun is being handled by Ogun Ministry of Agriculture in consultation with the state Ministry of Health.
“With respect to the supply of Agro Inputs, Seeds, Fertilisers and Herbicides to farmers in Ogun, we will adhere strictly to the guidelines/protocols involved with it.
“Upon receipt of request for movement exemption/permit from Agro Input Suppliers, Ogun Ministry of Agriculture will notify the state Ministry of Health and Security Agencies for due diligence,” he said.
Explaining the guidelines to receiving such inputs amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the task force of the state Ministry of Agriculture and the Director of Veterinary Services, would meet the concerned Agro Input Suppliers at the state border.
The commissioner said the suppliers (person and vehicle) and goods would be decontaminated at the border before allowing entry.
He added that the task force would supervise the delivery of the Agro Input Supplier to its intended destination into Ogun and also escort the suppliers out of the state borders, after delivery.
Sorunke said the state Ministry of Agriculture would continue to alert the security agencies about suspicious movements through the field agents located in all the local government areas of the state.