Again, Kwara Lawmaker, Ajuloopin empowers constituency Farmers

Rep Tunji Olawuyi Ajuloopin

Rep Tunji Olawuyi Ajuloopin, member, representing Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency of Kwara has empowered farmers in the constituency with farm inputs and equipments to enhance productivity, yield and income.

The Two-Day empowerment programme which held at the constituency office in Omu-Aran, commenced on Wednesday, attracting farmers associations, groups and individuals across the four councils of the constituency.

The empowerment was organised in collaboration with Dolocon Corporate Services Nigeria Ltd and Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA).

Some of the items distributed to the beneficiaries included different varieties of chemicals and spraying equipments.

The farmers also received lectures on chemical application as well as handling of spraying equipments to achieve optimum results.

Ajuloopin, in his remarks, said the gesture was geared toward improving the farmers' production capacity and promoting all year round farming in the constituency to achieve more yield and income.

He said the initiative was also part of the fulfilment of his campaign promised to channel adequate resources in making agricultural practices very attractive to the constituents be it youths, women and elders alike.

He described agriculture as a veritable alternative toward transforming the economy of the constituency, while promising to priorities irrigation farming as away of promoting all year round farming.

According to him, inadequate rainfall is one of the major challenges confronting most farmers and with irrigation facility in place coupled with availability of inputs our farmers will go places.

"We have substantial number of registered farmers in our constituency, that is why we have decided to invite representative of the farmers for this empowerment.

"You are very important, not only to the constituency, but the society in general.

"This gesture today is also part of our campaign promises to promote agriculture practices in all nooks and crannies of the constituency and to enhance the productivity of our farmers.

"Have started discussion already on how we can priorities irrigation farming and with plan for its inclusion in our subsequent budgetary presentation to the National Assembly.

"We have commenced the constituency agriculture project with the construction of five modern and well equipped farm houses across the constituency.

"This is to help our farmers in processing their farm produces.

"This is going to be a gradual and continuous exercise in our efforts toward making our constituency the agriculture hub and food basket of the country,"  Ajuloopin added.

Mr Oguntoye Michael, Chairman, Sustainable Farmers Association of Nigeria (SUFAN), in a lecture, tutored the beneficiaries on chemical application and handling of spraying machines on their farms.

He advised the farmers to always put on their hand gloves, rain booths before applying their chemicals and also maintain the right chemical proportions.

"You should always imbibe the habit of keeping your chemicals away from the reach of your children to avoid unnecessary calamities," he said.

Mr Michael praised Ajuloopin for his foresight, dedication and commitment to improving the welfare and wellbeing of the people of the constituency, especially farmers.

Alhaji Oladipupo Bashir, Chairman, Ominira Farmers Association, in his remarks, advised the farmers to register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) so as to become eligible beneficiaries of government's facilities and incentives.

"It is by duly registered with CAC as a practising farmer that we can be eligible to access the various government incentives aimed at improving farmers productivity and capacity," he said.

Mrs Zakari Titilayo, representative of Border Community Development Agency (BCDA), described the empowerment as a veritable platform toward achieving the desired community integration and socio-economic development.

She commended the Federal Lawmaker for always maintaining closeness to the constituents and commitment toward fulfilling their yearnings and aspirations, irrespective of ethno-religion, cultural, tribal or political affiliations.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Yusuf Salahudeen, the Baale of Iwo, described the gesture as unprecedented, timely and highly beneficial.

"Candidly, Ajuloopin is not only a politician, but a leader with human dignity and immense passion for the development of his people and communities.

"He has shown on many occasions through his closeness to his people and numerous projects, programmes and initiative, the sterling leadership qualities he possessed.

"Our prayers is for him to have sound health, strength, wisdom, and the financial capabilities to do more for his constituency," he said.

Other groups that benefited from the empowerment largesse includes Afenifere Farmers Association, Mekunu Farmers Association, Agbeloba Farmers Association as well as Operation Feed the Nation.