Ogun to distribute farm mechanization equipment, trains beneficiaries on effective utilization

As part of efforts to enhance food security through mechanized farming, the Ogun State Government through the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), in collaboration with the World Bank, has organized a stakeholders' engagement on the management, effective utilization, and sustainability of farm mechanization equipment.

The event, held in Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, aimed to ensure the optimal use of procured equipment, including tractors, ploughs, harrows, planters, and combine harvesters, among others.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Bolu Owootomo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, emphasized the importance of proper equipment management to reduce maintenance costs, extend equipment lifespan, and improve fuel efficiency.

He said: “You can see how responsive the government is to farmers. After we have produced what we need to produce, the government has gone beyond just providing processing equipment; it has also ensured that we have a place to sell our produce.”

In her welcome address, the Project Coordinator of OGSTEP, Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odusi, represented by the Project Manager for the Agricultural Sector, Dr. Oluseyi Olugbere, highlighted the need for collective responsibility in maintaining and sustaining the equipment.

“When the commissioner came on board, he requested these mechanization equipment. We approached the World Bank last year, providing justifications and reasons why they were essential for our farmers at this time,” she explained.

She further emphasized the importance of sustainability, saying, “It is imperative that we come together to discuss how we will use, maintain and sustain these procured machines and even expand our fleet, considering the significant investment made to acquire them.”

Also speaking, OGSTEP’s Environmental Safeguard Officer, Mr. Seyi Mayungbe, stressed the importance of operational health and safety, advising handlers to take precautions and be mindful of risks.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairman of Ajegunle Farm Settlement, Mr. Rotimi Sogunle, expressed gratitude to the state government for its support and pledged to ensure the effective management and utilization of the equipment.

Meanwhile, as part of ongoing efforts to promote sustainable agrifood investments, a multidisciplinary team led by OGSTEP FRILIA Specialist, Oladipupo Sofowora, has conducted a series of stakeholder engagements and environmental assessments in Itoro and Isomu communities.

The team, which included representatives from the Land Management Unit (Ministry of Agriculture), Bureau of Lands and Survey, and Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), facilitated discussions aimed at aligning community interests with responsible land-use practices.

The team carried out a site assessment to identify a suitable plot for the apportionment of agricultural land to Odewole Farms Ltd, one of the agrifood investors selected under the FRILIA Pilot Programme.

A formal stakeholder engagement session was held to introduce the investor to the community, where discussions centered on sustainable farming practices and mutual benefits.

During the session, community members welcomed the initiative, while the investor pledged to adhere to responsible business practices and ensure that the project contributes positively to local development.

To reinforce sustainable land-use commitments, OGSTEP’s Safeguard Unit conducted an Environmental and Social Screening (ESS) at the designated site.

The assessment aimed to evaluate potential environmental and social impacts, ensuring compliance with sustainability standards and best practices.