By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

One of the aides of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Engr. Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo has appealed to Nigerians to be patient in view of the current economic hardships, adding that in the next few months, there would be signs of hope that the federal government is on the right track to meet the hopes and aspirations of the people.

Engr Adebayo,one of the children of former governor of the state, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, spoke with journalists during a New Year celebration get together in Oke-Onigbin, the sage country home in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara state on Tuesday.

He said,”His Excellency Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing a lot actually in agriculture we have so many programmes drawn to support Nigerians and make food available. For the changes he’s making in positions in agricultural sector ,a lot of us came on board a bit late because it took him a lot of time to select the people he wants to work with to deliver what he wants in agriculture.

“We have so many tractorization and mechanization programmes. Tractors are being imported into the country so that our farmers can move to become mechanized farmers and we in our agency are responsible for the development. So what we’re trying to do is to provide enough farms and clauseterize the farmers so I’ll give you an example of the 5000 hectares farm settlement project here in ifelodun,ora.

“You know,in Africa we don’t really need to re invent the wheel. Things have been done correctly in the past and the present and where we can merge things to give a solution and that’s what Mr president has approved. We have farm settlements where farmers can work there and live there and make Nigeria self sufficient and also of course become a food exporter.”

He also said that,”implementation of agriculture programmes takes time and that’s why I begged Nigerians in my welcome speech to be a bit patient with us. The programmes are brilliant. Apart from the settlement programmes we have the resettlement programmes for the IDP’s because they are the most experienced famers around and they have been sent away from their farms.

“The FG is rehabilitating them and ensuring that they bring them to a place where they can work ad be self sufficient “he stressed .

Responding to how soon, Nigerians can expect to start seeing the changes,Engr Adebayo said,”it’s here, as you know some crops take 9 months. To see effects in agriculture takes a bit of time. It takes a lot of Under table work to restructure a sector in terms of policy before you even go to the field.

” I personally came in 6 months ago and we’ve done a lot of planning overtime so we’re at the implementation phase and in the next few months Nigerians will start seeing projects that will give them hope that we’re moving in the right direction
“

He also commended Ora, a rural community in Kwara State, for allocating 5,000 hectares of lands for federal agricultural projects, urging other communities to emulate the gesture.

According to him,”They are doing a lot in Ora, they donated the 5000 hectares so we call on the traditional rulers to collaborate with us and help us and to know that holding on to land does not help your community . You have to open it up to government and institutional investors so we can assist because at the end of the day , government is not in the business of farming all we’re doing is a heavy lifting so at the end of the day, it is the indigenes that farm on those prepared lands. It changes the, average income,economy,purchasing power, it also affects education and healthcare positively because they’ll have schools and health centre, financial inclusion centres..”

“We are working to develop vast lands and facilitate farming for local communities. These farm settlements will include health centers, schools, and financial inclusion hubs, ensuring socio-economic growth. The displaced farmers, who are among the most experienced, will be resettled to continue farming and earn decent incomes,” Adebayo further said.

Chairman of Offa local government Hon. Suleiman Olatunji, who was also at the event told journalists that 1,000 hectares of lands had been allocated for agricultural projects in the area, highlighting its potential for youth employment and infrastructure development.

“We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this good initiative. It will create employment opportunities for youths, ensure mass food production, and enhance food security. The improved rural roads linking farmers to urban markets also demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to agriculture,” Olatunji noted.

His counterpart in Isin Local Government, Jolayemi Olarewaju, described the initiative as timely in addressing food scarcity concerns.

“The plan of the Federal Government asking for land for agricultural purposes is a very good one. If care is not taken, this year may bring challenges of food scarcity.

However, with this initiative, I believe we can survive. Some kinsmen in my local government have suggested exploring dry farming systems, and with the Federal Government’s support, we can overcome future food scarcity issues,” he said.

The Onigbin of Oke-Onigbin, Oba Salaudeen Tayo of the host Community, also lauded the Federal Government for providing fertilizers and herbicides, while appealing for expanded support for farmers in the region.

“We have abundant land in Kwara South suitable for agriculture. The Federal Government, through its representatives, is doing well, but we urge them to do more in supporting farmers,” the monarch said.

The event also recognized the contributions of former Kwara State Governor and Minister, Chief C.O. Adebayo, who initiated annual Kwara South unity meetings to promote collaboration among leaders, stakeholders, and community members for regional development.