SOUTHWEST COMMODITIES FARMERS ORGANISATION: Osun State Stakeholders Prepare for Ibadan Summit

Heads of more than a dozen of Osun State Agricultural Commodity Associations met at SMEDAN office beside Lameco petrol station, Oke-fia along State House Osogbo on Thursday 15th February, 2024 with the aim to strategize on mobilizing farmers from Osun State to attend the proposed summit of Southwest Commodities Farmers Organization (SCFO) slated to hold at the University of Ibadan, International Conference Centre on Thursday 18th April, 2024.

The SCFO gathers a collection of key agricultural commodities across the six states of the Southwest, Nigeria to provide a combined strategical multi-stakeholder approach to halting the allegation of marginalisation of Southwest Farmers under the Federal Government of Nigeria Ancor Borrowers' Program (ABP).

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According to the communiquè released by SCFO at their maiden meeting held at the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Technology (CAFFTECH), Ijeda-Ijesa, Oriade local government Osun State on Tuesday, 16th January, 2024 with representatives from various farmers Associations cutting across all states of the Southwest at the instances of Otunba Emiola Ogunsanya of FEGAGRO fame and Prince Olusegun Dasaolu, the scheme is still plagued by allegations of favoritism as the Southwest geo-political region have been sidelined. The aim of the proposed summit is to brainstorm on how the agricultural commodities producers of the Southwest can protect their interest under the scheme.

SCFO Board Of Trustees include, Prince Olusegun Dasaolu (Ogun), Alhaji Abdullahi Kasali (Oyo), Chief Emiola Ogunsanya (Osun), Evang. Joshua Oyedele (Ondo), Mrs. Enitan Onitiri (Lagos) and Mr. Enoch Alagbada (Ekiti).

Among people to be invited to the summit are Hon minister of Agriculture and food security, Hon. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, all southwest Governors, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Minister for Women affairs and Water Resources, Oni of Ife and many others.

While speaking to KAKAKIOODUA correspondent, the Osun State coordinator of SCFO Alhaj Abdulrauf Adeyemi and Otunba Emiola Ogunsanya (member SCFO BOT) both reiterated that Osun State agricultural commodities farmers will be well represented at the summit.

Heads of Osun State agricultural commodities associations present at the Osogbo meeting included Cereals (Rice, Maize, sorghum); Roots and Tubers (Cassava, Potatoes, Yam); Tree crops (0il palm, Cocoa); Legumes (Tomato, pepper), Livestock (Fish, Poultry) among others.