Makinde approves employment of extension officers, vet doctors

Oyo governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has approved the employment of Extension officers and Veterinary doctors as well as the establishment of Model Service Centres in all the zones in the state.

Makinde made the disclosure at the opening of the 2024 Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State Green Exhibition at Ile Akede, Ibadan on Wednesday.

The governor was represented at the occasion by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye lauded the initiative of the management of the BCOS, submitting that it would go a long way in assisting the farmers in the state.

Makinde while reiterating the commitment of his administration to the development of the Agricultural sector disclosed that in the past few months, his administration has distributed seedlings as well as provision of free vaccines to livestock farmers.

He added that the government has assisted poultry farmers with 1.2kg of fish feeds and 5,000 cassava sticks.

The governor further stated that his administration has introduced fifty percent Tractorisation Subsidy which has assisted in ploughing of over 6 acres of land across the state.

On the issue of security, the governor allayed the fear of farmers of the attacks of the suspected herders.

He said the engagement of 480 Forest Rangers would put an end to the reported attacks of the suspected herders.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Hon Peter Ojedokun reiterated the commitment of the present administration to massive food production.

He also disclosed that the Assembly has passed security bill into law to safeguard the lives of farmers across the state.

Also, speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of BCOS, Chief Mrs Dotun Olaitan stressed the need for the people in the state to embrace subsistence farming.

According to her, “In order to address acute food supply, there is need for every household to convert available space in their yards to farmlands.