The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, has emphasized the importance of civil servants engaging in backyard farming as a strategic move to support the state government’s initiatives toward achieving food security. In a keynote address delivered during a capacity-building program focused on backyard farming, which was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture in celebration of the 2024 World Food Day, Onasanya highlighted that the active involvement of civil servants in this agriculture-focused initiative would reinforce their commitment to the overarching goal of food security within the state. He asserted that enhancing food production at the household level would significantly contribute to the broader economy.
The training program is designed to provide participants with vital knowledge and skills that will aid them in successfully navigating the challenges associated with backyard farming. Onasanya mentioned that this endeavor encourages a culture of self-sufficiency in food production by promoting the idea of “growing what you eat.” Drawing attention to the initiatives of Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Head of Service noted that the government remains committed to training and developing its workforce across various ministries, departments, and agencies, regardless of their hierarchical levels within civil service.
Furthermore, Onasanya commended Governor Abiodun for his continuous efforts to enhance the public service and improve civil servants’ welfare through professional development and policies aimed at delivering a better quality of life. He stressed that empowering civil servants—who play dual roles as administrators and managers—to confront the pressing challenge of food security is crucial for the state. He highlighted a forward-looking goal of achieving a 25 percent reduction in malnutrition rates among children and nursing mothers, representing a significant advancement toward bolstering the health of future generations.
Onasanya reiterated that food security is a collective responsibility for all stakeholders. He urged the participants to apply the skills and knowledge acquired during the training to benefit their households and contribute to the agricultural development of Ogun State. Encouraging trainees to become active contributors to food security, Onasanya concluded by reiterating the relevance of backyard farming as a significant step toward securing a prosperous future for both the individuals and the state.
In the welcome address preceding Onasanya’s speech, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owootomo, outlined the importance of the seminar on backyard farming. He noted that the initiative would conserve scarce resources while enhancing food availability for families, thereby contributing to community resilience and food security. By encouraging civil servants to engage more directly with food production, Owootomo indicated that the program also aims to supply raw materials for broader agricultural use in the state.
Complementing these efforts, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, added that the celebration’s focus on backyard farming is part of a broader goal to enhance the workforce’s capability to secure food access for all residents. Ultimately, this capacity-building program is a significant stride toward fostering self-reliance in food production among the civil service and ensuring that the benefits of enhanced agricultural practices extend from households to the entire community in Ogun State.
