Ogun restates commitment to crashing soaring food prices

The Ogun State Government reaffirmed on Friday its commitment to addressing the rising costs of food commodities under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun. This statement was made by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, during a fish harvest event for local fish farmers in the Ado-Odo/Ota area, supported by the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project.

Owotomo indicated that the Abiodun administration has initiated various support measures aimed at boosting food production, thereby increasing supply and ultimately lowering food prices. Over 1,000 fish farmers across three clusters received assistance, each being provided with more than 72 bags of fish feed, with farmers contributing 70% of the cost while the government covered the remaining 30%.

He emphasized that the state’s support for fish farmers is intended to help reduce food prices in markets. He also aligned this effort with President Bola Tinubu’s goal of enhancing food production, noting that the farmers have committed to working collaboratively to achieve this vision for the benefit of all.

“The established fish clusters consist of over 1,000 farmers, each of whom has received significant support from the government through the OGSTEP program. This initiative reinforces Governor Abiodun’s commitment to ensuring a plentiful food supply and combating the high prices of food,” Owotomo stated. He added that the fish harvested by these clusters, comprising over 350 farmers, will be sold below current market prices to support Tinubu’s efforts in addressing food cost challenges.

Owotomo highlighted that Ogun State did not become West Africa’s aquaculture capital by chance; it is the result of targeted initiatives and government backing aimed at enhancing farmers’ productivity.

Project Manager Oluseyi Olugbire, representing Project Coordinator Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, expressed gratitude to the farmers for their dedication and assured them that more farmers would be included in future initiatives to ensure food abundance in the state.

Additionally, Niyi Opebiyi, the Director of Fishery, praised the support from OGSTEP, stating that the program has significantly benefited farmers statewide. Ebenezer Jinadu, the OGSTEP Aquaculture Coordinator for Ado Odo Ota LG, thanked the governor for his assistance but also urged the government to help rehabilitate local roads to improve access and quality of life for residents.