FAO strengthens partnership with Ondo State as Gov Aiyedatiwa pledges greater support for food security, forestry

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has pledged stronger support for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations as the agency expands its interventions in Ondo State.

The Governor gave this assurance while playing host to the FAO team, led by its Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Hussein Gadain, on a courtesy visit to his office on Monday.

He expressed delight at the progress made since the programme’s inauguration in July 2024, commending FAO for its support, particularly in providing tools such as GIS for forest mapping and in driving advocacy and farmer training.

Governor Aiyedatiwa assured FAO of the state’s readiness to collaborate further, especially in areas of land allocation for farmers, youth recruitment into agribusiness and budgetary support for the projects, emphasizing the importance of setting up land allocation committees at the local government level to resolve issues of encroachment and land scarcity.

“Ondo State will continue to provide the needed leadership and support to ensure the success of FAO’s interventions”.

He also pledged to encourage youth participation in agriculture as part of efforts to secure the state’s food future.

He assured the visiting team that the state is committed to working closely with FAO and other stakeholders to boost food production, create jobs, and protect its forest resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Earlier, the FAO Representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, Mr Hussein Gadain, highlighted FAO’s ongoing projects in the state, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF7) Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FLUR) project, and the newly approved GEF7 Biodiversity project.

According to him, these initiatives, focus on forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, sustainable cocoa production, climate-smart agriculture, and youth empowerment. He noted that FAO has already provided Ondo State with vital support such as a Geographic Information System (GIS) laboratory, farmer field and business schools, solar-powered agroforestry nurseries, and a multi-stakeholder platform for land and forest management.

He reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to deepen collaboration with Ondo State in areas of food security, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and forestry management.

In attendance were; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Olaleye Akinola, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Alabi, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Sunday Olajide, Commissioner for Water Resources and Public Sanitation, Hon. Ayodele Akande, Senior Special Assistant on Agric and Agribusiness, Hon. Wemimo Akinsola, among others.