The maiden edition of Oyo Farmers Public Debate made it possible for farmers in Oyo State to engage the 2019 gubernatorial candidates vying under different political parties in the state. The public Debate presented a platform to listen to the agro improvement plans and strategies of individual candidates with peculiarity to livestock and crop farming in the state.
The event was held at the Basorun Hall, Ibadan Civic center, Idi-ape, Ibadan. On the panel were experts and authorities from the agricultural research institutes, practicing farmers, commodity processors, farmers’ association leaders and monarchs, with Professor Akin Adesehinwa being the Lead Panelist.
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| Prof. Akin Adesehinwa |
Out of the 37 candidates ratified by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest the Oyo state governorship seat in the 2019 general elections, only 5 gubernatorial candidates were present to interact with Oyo State farmers at the Public Debate. The Farmers have perceived these 5 candidates as the once passionate about Agricultural Improvement and Welfare of farmers in the State.
The 5 candidates present at the Farmers Public Debate are:
1) Engr. Seyi Makinde of People Democratic Party (PDP)
2) Dr. David Oluwafemi Okunlola of All Grassroots Alliance (AGA)
3) Mrs. Omoteleola Folake Florence of Democratic People’s Party (DPP)
4) Mr. Olatunji Adigun Sadiq of Labour Party (LP)
5) Bar. Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
Chief Azeez Maboreje, the Ambassador for the Farmers, in his brief speech thanked the gubernatorial candidates for attending the event.
He emphasized that the farmers now know the Guber candidates that place importance on farming and attach significance to the improvement and welfare of farmers in Oyo State. He added that the farmers will troop out in their numbers to vote for one of the gubernatorial candidate present at the event.
He however concluded by admonishing the candidates to keep to their words when they emerge as the governor of Oyo State after the 2019 general elections.
Chief Folorunso Ogunnaike, Chairman Fol-Hope Farms, opened the questions and answers segment with question about high revenue collection in the state while moving agricultural commodities from the production site to the market, most especially the movement of Day-Old Chicks.
Other panelists asked questions on the plans of candidates to:
• Transform agricultural production in Oyo State from subsistence farming to mechanized farming
• Curb Farmers-Herders clashes in Oyo State
• Reduce spoilage of farm commodities
• Regulate pricing of farm commodities for maximized profits for farmers
• Reduce double taxation on farm commodities
• Maximize the many research institutes available in Oyo State for improved farming production
• Fund farmers in Oyo State
The gubernatorial candidates responded brilliantly to the questions raised by both panelists and participants.
To formalize the assurance of support for Oyo state farmers as pronounced by the gubernatorial candidates, Mrs. Abiola Bayode, the program manager for Farm and Infrastructure Foundation (FIF) presented a communiqué (Memorandum of Understanding) that was publicly signed by each of the gubernatorial candidates during the event.
The first ever Farmers Public Debate with Oyo state gubernatorial candidates was put together by Oja Agbe (Farmers Market) in collaboration with Farm and Infrastucture Foundation (FIF) & All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Oyo state chapter, and the event recorded the presence of dignitaries and veterans in the farming business.
It is the hope of farmers in Oyo State that Farmers Public Debate will always precede subsequent general elections to inform the choice of farmers during elections.
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