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The Ogun State Government has said that it would align with the involvement of women farmers in agriculture and all its value chain just as it described women as the catalyst for meaningful development in all areas of human endeavours.
This assertion was made by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola at the inauguration of Ogun State SHEFARMERS Initiative in Abeokuta.
Aikulola, who was represented by the Director, Industrial Promotion, Engr. Kehinde Akintomide, expressed optimism that the focus of the initiative which is aimed at advancing the cause of women in agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture industry as well as improve yields, would bring sustainable innovations to the sector.
Congratulating the women farmers, the Permanent Secretary advised them to tap into the various interventions and programmes jointly organised by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, including but not limited to the Export Promotion Council and other bodies geared at educating and enlightening farmers.
He assured that this government will not relent in creating conducive environment for businesses , food and agriculture to thrive , adding that the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration has put series of concerted efforts in place towards the creation and enactment of relevant policies and programmes to boost the state’s economy.
According to him, various reforms have been introduced through Ogun State Business Environment Council ( OGBEC) including; business startups, acquisition of landed property, construction permits, contract enforcement and payment of taxes and levies, thereby enhancing ease of doing business.
“It does this through making recommendations on improving on current practices and procedures while introducing key reforms that conform with global best practices.
“The Ministry periodically organises series of Business Clinics across five industrial zones of the State via collaboration with necessary agencies such as Agency for International Cooperation, GIZ, Nigerian Export Promotion Council in the area of capacity building for entrepreneurs,” Aikulola said.
In his remarks, State Coordinator, SHEFARMERS Initiative, Mrs. Olukemi Hairat Ogunmoye, said the group which is well represented in the 20 local government areas of the State would contribute its quote towards making the agricultural sector and its value chain more viable without leaving any stone unturned.
The programme had in attendance the Permanent Secretaries, Ministry of Agriculture as well as Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Samuel Adeogun and Dr. Rotimi Akinlesi, bankers, exporters, among other stakeholders.
