….promises improved support for vulnerable persons
By Precious Oham
The Ekiti State government, on Tuesday, distributed maize grains to residents of Ise/Orun local government to cushion the effect of food insecurity and inflation currently being experienced across the country.
The distribution exercise, which was held at the palace of Arinjale of Ise-Ekiti, was organised by the Office of Community Communications as part of the state government’s community engagement in rural areas.
Speaking with journalists, the Director General, Office of Community Communications, Mrs. Mary-Omotosho said the intervention by Governor Biodun Oyebanji is to eradicate food insecurity and boost the agricultural sector.
She noted that the intervention is part of community engagements to rural dwellers aimed at creating awareness on the activities of the state government and supporting their wellbeing.
Her words: “What we have done is community engagements with rural dwellers, petty traders from farm settlements across Ise/Orun local government. We have different approach to our community engagements. We have decided to take information to the people at the grassroots, especially in the rural areas.
“The people in the rural areas in Ekiti State are mostly farmers. I want to charge them to continue to support the governor. He has invested over N1billion naira in the agricultural sector in the state. It is not for now but for next year and years to come so that we do not experience food commodity scarcity.
“We have done in Gboyin local government. We gathered all farmers, petty traders from across farm settlements. We have done part of Omuo-Ekiti and we are going to other local governments. This is another way of carrying out community engagements in different farm settlements. It will cut across all the LGAs in the state.”
On his part, Chairman of Ise/Orun local government, Hon. Ayodele Samson Bamikole declared the readiness of residents of the area to complement the efforts of the governor by venturing into agriculture.
While appreciating the governor for deeming it necessary to invest in agriculture, he assured the farmers of its readiness to provide adequate protection in their farmlands.
“If the governor can think deeply that mainly in Ekiti whereby agriculture happen to be our hallmark. He thought it wise to give our people maize grains to go and plant to increase food commodities and end famine in Ekiti.
“We have land in Ise/Orun and God blessed us. It is a town that is plain indeed. We have ventured into agriculture in order to complement the efforts of the governor. We will make sure that we plough as many hectares. Very soon Ise/Orun will be an LGA whereby will be selling garri and other food commodities in the state.
“With collaboration with the governor and people in charge of security, we are making sure we restore peace to Ekiti, mainly in Ise/Orun. We are telling our people not to be afraid but go back to farm. We are assuring them that we will guarantee their lives and property.”
Some of the beneficiaries appreciated the governor for the kind gesture saying that the move will signal the beginning of food sufficiency that will reduce economic hardship.
Ojo Fadahunsi said: “I really appreciate the governor because he is the best and he is performing well. The second term of the governor is sure already. I plead with my people to join hands with him to succeed. People that benefited don’t have money to get the seeds and I appreciate him for remembering us.”
