The Ogun State Government has initiated a formal aquaculture harvest in the Ilaro Zone, aiming to enhance food security and stabilize food prices across Nigeria. This initiative is supported by the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), which has been instrumental in providing vital resources, such as fish feed, to local farmers. The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that food remains accessible and affordable for the populace. He revealed that through OGSTEP, the farmers benefited from a significant discount on feed costs, which reflects the state’s determination to alleviate the economic burden on consumers by fostering agricultural productivity.
Owotomo expressed optimism regarding the impact this harvest will have on the local economy, particularly highlighting the 350 fish farmers in the Ado-Odo/Otta Local Government Area who have commenced their harvest activities. He indicated that these farmers have pledged to sell their catch at prices lower than current market rates, which could provide substantial relief to consumers facing rising food prices. The commissioner reiterated that this endeavor aligns with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s vision for abundant food availability at reduced prices, which is crucial for enhancing the quality of life for residents.
In addition to its immediate benefits, the OGSTEP initiative aims to transform the agricultural landscape in Ogun State by improving infrastructure, increasing youth employment, and supporting diverse agricultural value chains, including rice and cassava. Owotomo pointed out that the program is designed not just to assist farmers in the short term but to create a sustainable agricultural system that boosts overall market supply and reduces production costs. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s strategic commitment to long-term food security.
Dr. Oluseyi Olugbire, the OGSTEP Project Manager for the agricultural sector, detailed the structured and supportive framework established under the initiative. This program has organized farmers into cooperative clusters, which enhances operational efficiency and provides them with better access to resources. Olugbire noted that through collective participation, farmers benefit from shared business plans and established agreements with market off-takers, ensuring a stable demand for their products. This model promotes collaboration between farmers and development firms, thus fostering an environment conducive to sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth.
Feedback from beneficiaries further highlights the program’s impact. Fish farmer Oluwatoyin Aribanusi from the Ewupe cluster expressed her appreciation for the support received, particularly the discounts on feed costs that have significantly improved her fish farming operations. Her positive experience underlines the effectiveness of the OGSTEP initiative in empowering local farmers and bolstering the aquaculture sector. However, she also raised critical concerns about recurrent flooding, which has caused considerable losses in capital investment, urging the state government to consider enhancements in drainage systems to safeguard their farms.
The formal launch of the harvest included site visits to various fish farms, such as Ijako Fish Farm, Ewupe Isorosi Fish Farm, and Anisere Fish Farm in Otta. These visits provided an opportunity for officials to directly observe the project’s progress and the challenges farmers face in their operations. The Ogun State Government’s proactive approach, through initiatives like OGSTEP, seeks not only to boost food production but also to create resilient agricultural systems that can weather environmental challenges and ultimately secure a more sustainable food supply for the local community and beyond. Overall, the initiative represents a significant step towards addressing the pressing food security issues faced by Nigeria and demonstrates the potential for effective public-private partnerships in agricultural development.
