5th December, 2023
By Adejoke Adeleye,Ogun
The Deputy Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Lukmon Atobatele, has said prioritising and giving full support to agriculture would drastically reduce poverty in the Nation.
He stated this in Abeokuta during an interview session organised for the qualified farmers who would benefit from his training and empowerment scheme.
Atobatele said the training and empowerment scheme is part of his electioneering promise to support his constituents.
According to him, “The essence of the interview is to ensure we train and empower those who are genuine farmers and who truly would create multiplier effects. We are starting with agriculturists to be able to produce more food and as well reduce unemployment”.
Atobatele who is representing Abeokuta South State Constituency 1, said, “The agricultural empowerment scheme would commence in January 2024, while successful candidates would be trained in a fully consolidated modern farm for ninety days”.
“We have interviewed about 140 people who showed interest, and so far 64 candidates have been picked. Of course, we would do more phases of the programme but we are starting with this number for now, he said.
A Deputy Director of the Ministry of Agriculture in Ogun State, Mr Jamiu Ismail who was part of the team of experts on the ground, commended the Deputy Minority Leader for the initiative saying “This is a good effort to create job opportunities and enhance food production in the Country”.