In a bid to enhance food sufficiency and create jobs, the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) has trained over 200 farmers in Ogun, Oyo, Osun, and Lagos states on modern farming techniques.
Speaking at a training session on skill acquisition in irrigation farming for Water Users Associations (WUAs), the Managing Director of OORBDA, Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, emphasized the role of agriculture as the heritage of mankind. He stressed the need to empower farmers to eradicate hunger and boost food production, contributing to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Dr. Ashiru acknowledged the challenges faced by the country but assured the farmers of a better future under the current administration’s agricultural policies. He urged the participants to fully engage in the training to gain valuable insights into the opportunities offered by modern agriculture.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, represented by Mrs. Shodiya Soetan, congratulated the farmers on their participation in the training. She highlighted irrigation and modern farming methods as key factors in enhancing agricultural productivity.
Dr. Angel Kuye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ogun State on Agriculture, commended OORBDA for its partnership with the state in providing water for irrigation activities.
She emphasized the importance of farmers to the current administration and encouraged them to embrace modern farming practices.
The training program covered fundamental aspects of crop production under irrigation systems and practical demonstrations of new agricultural and irrigation farming methods. Participants were also given hands-on experience in applying modern farming skills in the field.
OORBDA has also embraced solar-powered pumping machines to boost agricultural production through irrigation. The Authority has installed a solar-powered pump at its Ofiki Irrigation project in Oyo State to enhance agricultural productivity.
In response to the President Tinubu administration’s focus on agriculture, OORBDA is constructing seven dams and over 700 boreholes across its catchment areas to support food sufficiency in the country.
The training program was attended by the Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, represented by Mrs. Shodiya Soetan, executive directors, directors, and workers of OORBDA, as well as farmers from Ogun State.
