Oyo Govt equips agric extension officers with motorcycles

The Oyo State Government has equipped 15 agricultural extension officers with motorcycles to improve their access to remote farming communities in the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, distributed the motorcycles to the ministry’s extension officers in Ibadan on Tuesday.

Olaleye stated that the 15 motorcycles would enable the beneficiaries to respond promptly to farmers’ needs while delivering timely agricultural advisory services.

He noted that agricultural extension officers serve as the link between researchers and farmers and play a vital role in disseminating innovations and technologies to smallholder farmers.

“This initiative will enhance productivity, improve farmers’ standards of living, and ensure food security in the state,” he said.

The commissioner explained that the distribution of the motorcycles was the first phase, assuring that more extension officers would receive theirs in due course.

He further emphasised that the gesture reflects the state government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural extension services in the state.

Olaleye pledged that the government would focus on addressing key challenges facing agricultural extension services, including systemic decline.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Akanbi Ademola, who spoke on behalf of the others, expressed appreciation to the state government for the gesture.

Ademola acknowledged the government’s ongoing programmes aimed at improving the agriculture sector and pledged that the officers would work to complement the state’s efforts to ensure food security.