In a significant step towards fortifying agricultural practices in Ogun State, the Ogun State Agro-Input Dealers Association (OGSAIDA), affiliated with the Nigeria Agricultural Input Dealers Association (NAIDA) convened its latest business meeting in Abeokuta, where a new executive council was sworn in. The event, held on Thursday, underscored the association’s commitment to fostering sustainable partnerships with the government to bolster food security and promote healthy agricultural practices.
The inauguration was officiated following an affirmation and voice vote from the association’s members, leading to the appointment of Eweoba Timothy Olusegun as the new chairman. In his inaugural address, Olusegun articulated the council’s dedication to empowering farmers, especially those in rural areas, by providing them with crucial knowledge and tools for safe and efficient agricultural production.
The Chairman, Eweoba Timothy emphasized the association’s mission to bridge the information gap in rural communities. “Our plan is to ensure that farmers—who are the backbone of food production—receive proper training on the use of herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers,” he stated. He reinforced the association’s commitment to ensuring that food produced in Ogun State remains safe and healthy for consumption.
However, Eweoba highlighted an urgent need for government support in reaching remote areas with essential agricultural information and resources. “We appeal to the government to help us expand this initiative to underserved areas. This will enable farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices and ensure compliance with safety standards,” he added.
The new chairman also urged association members to adhere strictly to government regulations against the sale of expired or banned chemicals, reinforcing the importance of ethical practices within the industry.
Prince Olanrewaju Adeyinka, a retired Acting General Manager of the Ogun State Agro Services Corporation, praised OGSAIDA for its pivotal role in decentralizing agricultural input distribution. Conducting the swearing-in ceremony, Adeyinka noted that since the government ceased direct distribution in 2006, OGSAIDA has been instrumental in ensuring farmers across the state gain access to essential agricultural inputs, thereby enhancing productivity.
“Without timely access to agro-inputs, farmers cannot achieve desired yields. This association plays a crucial role in filling the gap,” he asserted. Adeyinka advised the new executive to prioritize expanding their outreach, particularly in the Ijebu area and Ogun East, while strengthening collaborations with the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders.
He further emphasized the importance of complying with regulatory bodies like NAFDAC to prevent the circulation of substandard inputs, a sentiment echoed by other members of the association.
Mrs. Oluwawemitan Patience, a member of OGSAIDA and CEO of El-Shaddai Veterinary Services and Agro-Chemical Limited, described the association as an essential conduit between farmers and the government. Addressing recent challenges, including the ban on Paraeforce—a widely used herbicide—Patience urged the government to involve the association in research and policy discussions to explore effective alternatives.
“Farmers need to understand why certain chemicals are banned and be educated on safe practices. This can only happen if the government strengthens its partnership with the association to reach the grassroots,” she asserted.
Alhaja Ibrahim Fausat, CEO of FAB Ayoka Agro Limited and Vice Chairman of OGSAIDA, stressed the need for ethical practices among agro-dealers. “My advice to members is to support farmers by refraining from selling fake or expired chemicals. This is crucial for the sustainability of our agricultural sector,” Fausat remarked. She also called for the integration of agro-dealers into state agricultural programs, encouraging Nigerians to embrace farming as a pathway to achieving national food surplus.
As Ogun State embarks on this new chapter with its renewed leadership, the collaboration between the government, OGSAIDA, and farmers is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of agriculture in the region, ensuring both food security and the promotion of sustainable practices.