By Duchess Ifeoluwa
In a bold move to transform the agricultural landscape of Ondo State, the government has commenced a comprehensive registration of farmers across all 18 local government areas.
The initiative, which is open-ended and non-discriminatory, aims to build a reliable database to support agricultural planning, ensure food security, and provide direct assistance to farmers.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Akure, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Agriculture and Agri-business, Mr Wemimo Akinsola, emphasised that the registration was not merely a bureaucratic process but a critical step towards data-driven governance in the agricultural sector.
“We need to know who our farmers are, what they grow, and where they farm. This information will help the government in supporting them more effectively,” Akinsola stated.
He noted that the exercise is part of a broader strategy championed by Governor Aiyedatiwa, who recently issued an executive order on Agri-business with land banking identified as a key area of focus.
Akinsola lauded the resilience of farmers in combating food scarcity and encouraged all farmers to participate, regardless of political affiliation or financial status.
He added that the process is accessible through various channels including mobile registration, local government offices, and the dedicated office of the Agric and Agri-business Empowerment Centre.
“This registration is very, very important. The State will officially recognise you as a farmer. It’s ongoing, with no deadline, and begins with Cocoa farmers under our Cocoa Revolution initiative, expanding soon to maize and cassava growers,” he explained.
In a further boost to mechanised farming, Akinsola revealed plans to establish tractor units in each of the three senatorial districts, aimed at easing the burden on farmers during planting seasons.
Echoing his remarks, Mr Femi Iwajomo, Administrative Secretary of the Ondo State Agric and Agri-business Empowerment Centre (OSAEC), described the exercise as a “farmers census” essential for accurate planning and resource allocation.
Mr Ojo Emmanuel, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at OSAEC, reassured farmers about data privacy, stating that the registration portal — www.osaec.org.ng — is secure and all submitted information will be handled confidentially.
