Ondo Assembly hails OSAEC, reaffirms commitment to agricultural growth

By Precious Oluwole

The Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources has reaffirmed its legislative support for the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC), commending the agency for its role in youth empowerment and agricultural development.

Led by its Chairman, Hon. Fatai Atere, the committee, including Vice Chairman, Hon. Abiola Oladapo, Majority Leader, Hon. Olatunji Oshati, former Majority Leader, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, Hon. Babatunde Fasonu, and other members, gave the assurance during an oversight visit to OSAEC headquarters in Akure.

The lawmakers praised OSAEC’s initiatives, describing the agency as a driving force in making agribusiness attractive to the younger generation and reducing dependence on white-collar jobs. They stressed that the agency’s projects were designed not only to create wealth but also to reduce unemployment and strengthen the state’s economy.

While commending OSAEC’s achievements, the committee urged its management to strengthen collaboration with sister agencies, adopt fresh strategies, and broaden its impact. They also called on unemployed youths to take advantage of opportunities in the agricultural sector, noting that such ventures would have long-term multiplier effects across the state.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Mr. Wemimo Akinsola, highlighted the agency’s achievements before the lawmakers. He pointed to progress in farmer training and empowerment, grading of rural roads leading to farm settlements, the Sunshine Investment in Agribusiness project and collaborations with federal agricultural bodies.

Akinsola added that the agency had initiated a farmer registration process to capture stakeholders’ needs and locations, while addressing emerging issues such as polygon mapping to track produce and prevent deforestation. He emphasized the need for strong public-private partnerships, citing Niger State’s model, and noted potential collaborations in rice production, mixed cropping, and co-financing with the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

“Our agency serves as the business arm of government, empowering youths through training and support. We are committed to developing a robust plan that will unlock Ondo State’s agricultural potential”.

The visit ended with the committee’s renewed assurance of legislative backing for OSAEC’s initiatives, aimed at positioning agriculture as a pathway for youth engagement, wealth creation, and sustainable development in Ondo State.