The Oyo State Government has launched the initial phase of motorcycle distribution to agricultural extension officers as part of its commitment to strengthening agricultural extension services across the state.
During the presentation of 15 motorcycles, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, emphasized the crucial role of extension officers in bridging the gap between researchers and farmers.
Olaleye highlighted that these officers are essential in transferring innovations and modern farming techniques to smallholder farmers, ultimately increasing productivity, improving livelihoods, and ensuring food security in the state.
He stated, “Under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Government has approved the procurement of BAJAJ motorcycles to support agricultural extension agents and enhance the effectiveness of extension services.”
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, stated that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde is committed to addressing key challenges affecting agricultural extension services. He noted that a major issue is the steady decline in the sector, largely due to factors such as the retirement of extension agents without adequate replacements.
He further identified additional challenges, including the reluctance of young people to pursue careers in agriculture and agribusiness, insufficient training and professional development for extension agents, and inadequate transportation, which limits their ability to reach farmers in remote areas.
To address these issues, Olaleye explained that the government has initiated various programs and projects, including the recruitment of 161 officers across different levels in the ministry, the distribution of BAJAJ motorcycles, and the expansion of the Start Them Early Programme (STEP)—a project designed to spark interest in agriculture among secondary school students across the state’s eight zones.
He added, “Last year, we trained 131 extension agents across all 33 LGAs and LCDAs on the use of digital applications for measuring farmland under the 50% tractorisation subsidy initiative of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) program.
“In addition, we implemented the 50% tractorisation subsidy program under SAfER, benefiting 1,487 farmers and resulting in the cultivation of a total of 6,009.4083 acres of farmland across the state.”
The commissioner urged the beneficiaries to make full use of this opportunity to strengthen the connection between researchers and farmers, ultimately enhancing food production, improving livelihoods, and ensuring sustainable agricultural service delivery.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, emphasized that distributing motorcycles to agricultural extension officers would serve as a catalyst for transformation.
She noted that the initiative would enable them to access remote farming communities more efficiently, provide timely responses to farmers’ needs, and deliver essential agricultural advisory services.
Owoeye commended the dedication and commitment of the extension officers for their contributions to the successful implementation of the state government’s 50% tractorisation programme under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative in 2024.
She also encouraged them to continue enhancing agricultural extension services across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the agricultural extension officers, Mr. Akanbi Ademola expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for his efforts in advancing the agricultural sector.
He assured the state government of their commitment to supporting its initiatives and working towards achieving food security in Oyo State.
