In a bold stride toward enhancing agricultural productivity and tackling food insecurity, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, the federal lawmaker representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency of Oyo State, has distributed over 5,000 bags of fertilizers to local farmers.
The distribution, which took place at his constituency office in Ologuneru, Ibadan, saw a total of 5,206 farmers across various communities benefit from the empowerment initiative. The lawmaker, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), emphasized that the move is part of a broader vision to improve food production and economic empowerment in the grassroots.
“This landmark empowerment programme is not just about fertilizer; it’s about hope, resilience, and building a future where our farmers can thrive,” Oseni stated while addressing stakeholders and beneficiaries at the event. “We are confronting the harsh realities of food inflation and economic strain, and agriculture remains a powerful solution.”
The initiative is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which highlights food security as a top national priority. Oseni reaffirmed his support for the administration’s economic policies and promised continued efforts to address the soaring prices of food commodities in the country.
“Supporting farmers means stabilizing our economy. By giving them the right tools, like fertilizer, we are enabling a stronger harvest and reducing dependency on food imports,” he said.
The distribution event was attended by key community leaders, including the Onido of Idoland, Oba Muritala Babalola; APC chieftain Mojeed Olaoya; religious representatives from both the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim community; youth leaders; and officials of farmers’ cooperatives across the constituency.
Beneficiaries lauded the initiative, expressing gratitude for what many described as “a timely intervention.” According to farmer representative, Mrs. Titi Alade, “This fertilizer will go a long way in boosting our maize and cassava yield this planting season. The cost of farm inputs has been overwhelming.”
Experts have consistently pointed to inadequate access to fertilizer and other inputs as a major contributor to Nigeria’s low agricultural productivity. The federal government’s National Fertilizer Quality Control Act was enacted to address these concerns, but local-level distribution remains crucial to its success.
In his final remarks, Hon. Oseni reiterated his commitment to quality representation. “This is not just about today. It’s about laying the groundwork for a sustainable, self-sufficient food system. I will continue to advocate for pro-farmer policies, infrastructure development, and rural investments that uplift the people of Ibarapa East and Ido.”
The lawmaker encouraged beneficiaries to make the most of the support and to embrace the spirit of excellence both in agriculture and in civic life.
With the rainy season approaching, the timely distribution of fertilizers is expected to positively impact the upcoming planting season and support Oyo State’s broader goal of agricultural development.