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ISEYIN, Oyo State – The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to building a resilient and productive agricultural sector, with a renewed call for stronger strategies to drive sustainable food production across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde FNSE at the 2026 Farmers Festival organised by the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Government Technical College, Iseyin, the Executive Adviser on Agribusiness and International Cooperation Development, Dr. Debo Akande, DBA, CMGR, FCMI, emphasized that agriculture remains the cornerstone of the administration’s economic transformation agenda.
Addressing a gathering of farmers, agribusiness stakeholders, and development partners, Dr. Akande said the Makinde administration had prioritized investments in mechanisation, improved inputs, agribusiness financing, and farmer capacity-building as deliberate steps to modernize the sector and improve rural livelihoods.
“Sustainable agriculture remains central to the Makinde administration’s economic blueprint. The ongoing investments are already transforming the sector and creating tangible improvements in the lives of our farmers,” he stated.
Dr. Akande stressed that achieving long-term food security requires the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, the strengthening of value chains, and deeper collaboration between government and farming communities. He noted that policy continuity and program consistency were essential to consolidating the gains recorded in the sector since 2019.
“Continuity in policies and programmes remains critical to consolidating the gains recorded so far. We must ensure that what works is sustained, scaled up, and made accessible to more farmers across Oyo State,” he added.
The event, which drew participants from across the state, served as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and renewed commitment to advancing agricultural development in Oyo State.
In his remarks as Chief Host, AFAN Oyo State Chairman, Mr. Adewunmi Abass Adekunle, commended Governor Makinde for his consistent support and inclusive approach to agricultural development. He lauded Dr. Akande for his dedication to translating the governor’s vision into policies that directly benefit farmers on the ground.
Adekunle also presented key requests from the association to strengthen productivity and welfare among members. These include the provision of an 18-seater bus to support the association’s mobility and coordination, an increase in the hectares covered under tractorisation to expand mechanised farming, and the inclusion of AFAN members in opportunities within the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub to deepen their participation in the state’s agribusiness value chain.
Responding, Dr. Debo Akande reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to continue supporting farmers and assured that the requests would be conveyed to the governor. He emphasized that sustainable food production could only be achieved through collective effort, innovation, and strategic alignment between government and stakeholders.
“On behalf of His Excellency, I wish you a rewarding and fruitful festival. I assure you all that I will convey your requests as presented to the People’s Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, Dsc, GSSRS,” he said.
The 2026 Farmers Festival provided renewed momentum for stakeholder engagement in Oyo State’s agricultural sector, highlighting the administration’s focus on leveraging partnerships, technology, and policy reforms to secure food systems and create economic opportunities for farmers, youth, and women.
The festival further underscored the importance of sustained collaboration in building a resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding climate challenges, boosting productivity, and positioning Oyo State as a leading agribusiness hub in Nigeria.
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