Ogun Government has allocated another 100 hectares of planted cassava lands to beneficiaries of Batch C of Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, at Ipagbonrin in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the first set of 100 beneficiaries in Batch C received their land allocation at Ikenne Farm Settlement in Ikenne Local Government Area in September.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Adeola Odedina, said that the lands had been cleared mechanically by the state government.

Odedina, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Dotun Sorunke, also said that Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Cassava Growers’ Association had done the ploughing, harrowing and planting on behalf of the beneficiaries.

He said that Gov. Dapo Abiodun had mandated Ogun State Agricultural Development Project (OGADEP) to provide supplementary extension services and management to the beneficiaries as well as release of money under the loan agreement with CBN.

The commissioner assured that off-takers would buy the cassava after harvest, stressing the ministry would continue to monitor and give necessary support to the beneficiaries.

He advised them to forward any grievance through the channel provided by CBN under the loan agreement.

“The governor has mandated OGADEP to provide supplementary extension services and management of the farms as well as release of fund under the CBN loan agreement.

“Beneficiaries should continue to forward any grievance through the channel provided by CBN under the loan agreement”, he said.

The commissioner, however, urged the beneficiaries to inform others of the opportunity in cassava cultivation and other crops, calling on youths to leverage the programme, as the future of Nigerian economy depended on agriculture.

Addressing the participants, Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr Angel Adelaja-Kuye, applauded the governor for his efforts at reviving the state’s economy through agriculture.

Adelaja-Kuye also noted that anyone could benefit from the empowerment opportunity.

Also speaking, Chief Whip of Imeko-Afon council legislature, Mr Jelili Akingbade, who is also a farmer, advised the beneficiaries to take good care of the farms allotted to them for maximum yields.

He also urged them to be strive to refund the loans granted them by CBN so as to have greater opportunities in the nearest future.

Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mr Bankole Joseph, expressed joy with the arrangement and thanked government for the gesture, stating: “this will surely boost food production in the state.”

NAN reports that the highlight of the event was the presentation of awards of excellence to the governor, Odedina, Sorunke and Adelaja-Kuye.