Poverty reduction: Osun Govt encourages agriculture

Osun State government has said, one of its top priorities is to encourage engagement in agriculture to reduce poverty among people of the State.

The Secretary to the State Government, Wole Oyebamiji stated this on Friday during an interview with newsmen shortly after flagging off the 18th edition of the Ileri-Oluwa Food Support Scheme, an initiative of Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

Oyebamiji who noted that 540,000 households have benefited from the scheme said government has encouraged people to go back to farm through the scheme.

He described the economic value chain of the scheme as enormous such that it has provided economic engagement and different categories of businesses for people of the State.

While responding to the distribution of only garri in the last three editions, the
SSG hinted other food items might be considered in the next edition.

Speaking, the State Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional integration, Lekan Badmus said the State’s economic index rating by the national bureau of Statics as third State with less index of poverty in Nigeria was as a result of economic policies of Oyetola’s administration.

He said government would continue to encourage young entrepreneurs through the scheme, adding that the feedbacks have been positive.

Mr Badmus explained that the distribution of garri to the members of the state over the time has been confirmed satisfactory by the beneficiaries.

While alluding to the assertion that agriculture is critical to overall economic and development, Badmus urged the youth to engage in farming to curb poverty and unemployment rate.