Government has pledged continued collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations to advance food security, youth empowerment, and land reforms in the state.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa gave the assurance on Monday in Akure while receiving a delegation led by the FAO Representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, Dr. Hussein Gadain, during a courtesy visit to his office.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the programme’s inauguration in July 2024, commending FAO for providing technical support, including the use of GIS for forest mapping, advocacy, and farmers’ training.
He reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to expand collaboration in key areas such as land allocation for farmers, youth recruitment into agribusiness, and budgetary support for agricultural projects.
“Land is a very scarce factor of production. Many are looking for land for expansion, while new entrants are coming in and the land size remains the same. With land allocation committees at the local government level, it will guarantee ownership and reduce land grabbing and encroachment,” Governor Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor also stressed the need to deliberately train younger farmers before the older generation retires, recalling the Youth on Ridges initiative of a previous administration which provided land for young people to farm. He promised renewed efforts to empower youth through agriculture.
On his part, Dr. Hussein Gadain appreciated the governor and people of Ondo State for their commitment to FAO’s programmes, noting that the visit was to review ongoing interventions and explore new opportunities for partnership.
He disclosed that Ondo State is currently benefitting from two major projects: the GEF7 Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Project (Ondo and Cross River States) and the GEF7 Biodiversity Project (Ondo, Edo, Delta and Ogun States), both designed to promote sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and forest restoration.
According to him, FAO has already restored over 3,800 hectares of degraded forests in Ondo and is preparing to deliver another one million seedlings to support agroforestry in the state.
Other interventions include the establishment of a GIS laboratory, revival of agricultural extension services, introduction of farmer field and business schools, solar-powered nurseries for two million seedlings, and policy dialogue on land access.
He noted that these interventions also align with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation, which will boost food security, create jobs, expand export earnings, and strengthen ecosystems in Ondo State.
Top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, and several commissioners, were present at the meeting.
