Rotimi Agboluaje, Ibadan
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has repeated the commitment of his administration to copy Songhai farms model in the state within nine months.
Receiving a delegation from Songhai Farms led by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prof. Godfrey Nzamujo in his office in Agodi, Ibadan, Wednesday, the governor disclosed that the state had decided to begin the apply the plan on one of its farmlands, adding that it would spread across the state’s various farm settlements soon.
The visit was sequel to the governor’s earlier visit to Songhai farms, Port Novo in Benin Republic to understudy the farms with the aim of starting a partnership in the state.
Ajimobi, had during his visit to Songhai farms, stated that the agriculture sector of the state would from April experience a complete turn-around following a new partnership with Songhai farms.
The governor said the state was very much keen to take advantage of its agriculture where the state has comparative advantage.
He said: “Our state is well positioned as the food basket of Nigeria. The state is the largest in the south and with good climate.
“If you are talking about an integrated, well-managed farm model, it is Songhai farms.
“ I am confident that any state that replicates the model will be among the topmost in the comity of nations. Songhai has multiplier effects”.
Urging people to venture into agriculture, he
Said he has “no doubt in my mind that our efforts in replicating Songhai farms model in the state is a long lasting legacy which would begin to yield results in nine months”.
Earlier, Nzamujo said his visit to the state hung on the vision and inspiration exhibited by the governor during his visit to the farms in Port Novo.
He said: “Your Excellency, we are here because you inspired us when you came to Port Novo. We are really impressed about your vision and determination to leave a lasting legacy in Oyo State.
“It is that inspiration that brought us down to the state and I am here with two of my leading assistants to help with the vision of replicating the farms here.
“I am sure that you vision will be carried out because we will give it all the necessary pushes,’’
He said that the replication of Songhai farms in the state would begin to yield results in nine months.
