Wale Jagun & Mariam Akinloye
It was excitement galore as over 500 farmers in Ikorodu Division on Saturday received fertilisers from the Federal Government (FG) facilitated by Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency.
The three -term lawmaker presenting the fertilisers to the joyous farmers, said that the support is an investment in the farmers for future of the community, state and the country at large in terms of having a sustainable food security.
The intervention is part of FG’s agricultural intervention under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is being implemented by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).
Mayor Deen Sanwoola, the Director-General of Jimi Benson’s iCare Foundation and Executive Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA), represented Rep, Benson at the distribution which took place at the lawmaker’s constituency office in Ikorodu.
Rep. Benson emphasised that he is committed to ensuring that Federal Government programmes translate into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens especially in his constituency.
According to him, agriculture remains one of the most critical sectors for national development, and empowering farmers with essential inputs is one of the surest ways of guaranteeing food security, improving rural livelihoods and strengthening the nation’s economy.
“This fertiliser distribution is more than an empowerment programme; it is an investment in our farmers, our food security and our collective future. When farmers are supported, families are fed, businesses grow and communities prosper. That is why he remains committed to bringing the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda directly to the grassroots.
“The fertiliser support programme forms part of the Federal Government’s agricultural intervention under the Renewed Hope Agenda and is being implemented by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF). The initiative is designed to provide smallholder farmers across the country with essential farm inputs, particularly fertiliser, to boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, reduce the cost of cultivation and strengthen the nation’s drive towards sustainable agricultural development,” he said.
The lawmaker further urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the fertilisers by applying them to productive farming activities, expressing confidence that the intervention would translate into increased yields and improved incomes for farming households across the constituency.
Mr Yufus Toyeeb, the coordinator of Farmers Association in Ikorodu West LCDA, speaking with our reporter emphasised that President Tinubu is extending the gesture through Rep. Benson as part of efforts to make food available in abundance by assisting farmers to improve in their production.
“This will help us to produce more and sell to people around Ikorodu West LCDA and its environs.
While appreciating Rep. Benson, the farmers’ leader also pleaded with the federal lawmaker to facilitate more support for farmers because of their critical roles.
“We want to encourage him to do more for us. You know feeding is very important, and we are happy that he is doing this and we want to encourage him to do more for us so that we can be better farmers,” he pleaded.
Some of the beneficiaries that spoke with THE IMPACT, commended the support stating that it would assist them in no small ways.
Mercy Izaka, a farmer from Owode -Ibeshe area of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, said that the fertilisers would help.her farm crops germinate properly.
“I want to appreciate Hon. Babajimi Benson for the opportunity that he has given to the farmers in making our farm to make progress. I grow vegetable, cassava, and I also produce garri by myself. I really appreciate this kind gesture.
“I have been hearing about the fertilisers distribution, but, this is my first time of getting this fertiliser facilitated by Hon. Babajimi Benson. It will help my farm crops germinate within two weeks when applied.”
The elated farmer furthered, “I want to appreciate President Bola Tinubu and Hon. Babajimi Benson for facilitating these for farmers.”
Another beneficiary, Vivian Ajewole from Imota LCDA, who plants cassava, plantain, and vegetable, also thanked the representative for the support.
“I am part of the beneficiaries who received the fertiliser support from Hon. Babajimi Benson, to help our crops grow well, and with this, I believe it will help our farm produce.”
“With this empowerment now, our farm will be aided to grow. I want to appreciate Hon. Babajimi Benson for facilitating this for us, through the President to aid our farm production and increase food production in Nigeria.”
