The Executive Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Amb. Adesina ‘Lanre Ogunsola, FCPA, has been honoured as the Grand Patron of the Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF), a collective body of farmers dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture and economic growth in Ogun State. The recognition was bestowed on Amb. Ogunsola in his office at Owode-Egba, in acknowledgement of his unwavering commitment to agricultural development and food security within the local government area.
The CAF, an initiative supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), Ogun State Government (OGSG), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), aims to sustain the objectives of the Value Chain Development Program (VCDP). These objectives include job creation, food security, and the empowerment of farmers through capacity building, training, and the establishment of processing centres.
During the ceremony, Amb. Ogunsola expressed his gratitude to the forum for recognizing the efforts of his administration in advancing agricultural development. He highlighted the strategic importance of Obafemi Owode as an industrial hub and a major producer of rice and cassava, owing to its proximity to Lagos and Oyo States. To further support the CAF’s mission, the chairman allocated two plots of land to serve as the forum’s headquarters within the local government area.
Alhaji Kamorudeen Shokunbi, the Ogun State Chairman of CAF, explained that the forum has already supported over 5,000 farmers in Obafemi Owode Local Government. This support includes training in good agronomic practices, capacity building, and the construction of processing centres, which have significantly enhanced agricultural productivity and marketing capabilities among local farmers.
Shokunbi emphasized that Amb. Ogunsola’s appointment as Grand Patron was aimed at leveraging his expertise and leadership to align CAF’s initiatives with the needs and priorities of the local community.
In a related development, the Executive Chairman visited Young Agro Company, a thriving agricultural enterprise led by renowned farmer Mr. Johnson Ajibola. Amb. Ogunsola commended the company’s remarkable achievements and encouraged other youths to emulate its success. He also interacted with local farmers, reiterating his administration’s commitment to supporting their endeavours at all times.
The event underscored the collaborative efforts between the Obafemi Owode Local Government and the Commodity Alliance Forum in driving agricultural innovation, food security, and economic growth in the region.
