By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has urged youths across the State to embrace farming and agribusiness.

The Governor gave this charge on Tuesday while receiving the management of Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) in his office.

The Governor also urged the youths to see agriculture not just as self-subsistence only but as a real business that they can invest in.

Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that the state government is making deliberate efforts to support farmers, particularly smallholders, through improved access to farm inputs, irrigation support, and infrastructural development.

“Insecurity has been a major issue, especially in areas where farmers have been displaced from their lands by criminal herders. We’re working hard to maintain peace and safeguard lives and property. We also recognise that land clearing is a huge cost for farmers, and we are exploring partnerships, to reduce this burden,” the Governor stated.

He added that the State Government is working on a World Bank-supported water project to provide clean, potable water to Akure and surrounding communities using the completed Owena Dam, which he commended BORBDA for constructing.

The Governor also called for better coordination with the Authority’s state office and promised to activate agribusiness in every local government area.

He stressed the need to resolve issues surrounding illegal land occupation, especially where BORBDA-owned lands have been encroached upon due to prolonged neglect.

The Governor expressed his confidence in the new management team that they will make a significant difference. He noted that although the original objectives of establishing River Basin Authorities have not been fully achieved, their continued existence remains vital to rural development and national food security.

He said: “Even though some past leaders of this agency may not have been able to achieve all they planned, their presence kept the agency alive. But I am confident that this new team will bring about positive change. You’ve identified key challenges, and I appreciate your critical assessment of the system.”

The Governor assured that his administration is open to negotiation, including the creation of farming zones for displaced local farmers and dialogue with traditional leaders to reclaim encroached assets.

Earlier in his address, the Managing Director, Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) Dr. Femi Adekanbi who led the team noted that the organisation was established nearly five years ago by the Federal Government as a strategic vehicle for the sustainable management of water resources and agricultural development.

He added that BORBDA has made significant contributions to the socio-economic development of Ondo State, including completion of major water infrastructure projects in Owena and Erusu-Arigidi Dams and erosion control interventions in Araromi Obi, Igbotako, Okitipupa, Ifon and Ilara-Mokin, among other projects.

He added that upon assumption of office, BORBDA undertook a sectoral review and identified six critical challenges hindering agricultural productivity like Insecurity affecting farm operations, high cost and limited access to farm inputs, inadequate irrigation infrastructure and financing, an ageing farming population, adverse impacts of climate change, especially drought, high levels of post-harvest losses.

He noted that In response, BORBDA is strategically engaging with key stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international development agencies (IDAs), and research institutions, to address these challenges through coordinated interventions

He solicitors for collaboration with the government in the area of enhancing security across farming zones, expanding and rehabilitating Imitation infrastructure and farmlands, supporting farmers with inputs and mechanisation, among others.

“It is worth noting that only a fraction of the nearly 6,000 hectares of cultivable farmland under BOREIOA’s jurisdiction in Ondo State is currently in productive use. With the support of your adrienistration, we are confident that this opportunities and sine inclusive ecariomic growth across the state”.

“In line with Mr. President’s directive on the partial commercialisation of BORBDA, have begun the process of revitalising and commercialising key assets under our care This initiative is intended to increase internally generated revenue and secure the Authority’s long-term financial sustainability. As part of this effort, we are working with development partners to commence large-scale cultivation of fallow lands across our catchment states. Our vision is to establish at least one integrated Farm in every local government area.

“BORBDA is committed to reviving the Igbokoda Poultry House as part of our agribusiness diversification strategy. We are also working toward formalising a tripartite partnership with the Ondo State Government and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

He stressed that BORBDA remains fully committed to working hand-in-hand with Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration to advance the well-being of the good people of Onda State.

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip.

He expressed his confidence in the new management team that they will make a significant difference. He noted that although the original objectives of establishing River Basin Authorities have not been fully achieved, their continued existence remains vital to rural development and national food security.

He said: “Even though some past leaders of this agency may not have been able to achieve all they planned, their presence kept the agency alive. But I am confident that this new team will bring about positive change. You’ve identified key challenges, and I appreciate your critical assessment of the system.”

The Governor assured that his administration is open to negotiation, including the creation of farming zones for displaced local farmers and dialogue with traditional leaders to reclaim encroached assets.