In a significant stride towards revitalizing the agricultural sector and ensuring food abundance in Osun State, the government has taken an empowering step by distributing vital poultry inputs, feeds, and vaccines to farmers, including those with disabilities. The initiative, under the Osun Broiler Outgrower Production Scheme (OBOPS), aims to bolster poultry farming and provide sustainable empowerment to individuals across the state.
The Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on Disability Matters, Hon. Olarewaju Oladosu, has commended Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Tola Faseru, for their inclusive and impactful gesture towards the Osun State Persons with Disabilities Farmers Association (PWDFA). Speaking at the event, Hon. Oladosu expressed his appreciation for the government’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are not left out of this vital agricultural initiative. He acknowledged that poultry farming has emerged as a profitable business venture globally, serving as a veritable means of empowerment, especially for marginalized groups.
“This initiative by the state government is a testament to its dedication to creating an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can thrive and contribute to the agricultural sector,” Hon. Oladosu remarked. He emphasized that this gesture will go a long way in improving the livelihoods of PWDs engaged in poultry farming, allowing them to become more self-reliant and economically empowered.
During the distribution ceremony, Hon. Tola Faseru reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of farmers across the state, irrespective of their political affiliation or social status. According to him, the Osun State government, under Governor Adeleke’s leadership, is focused on improving the productivity and profitability of farmers, thereby ensuring food security and economic growth in the state.
“We are distributing a total of 50,000 day-old broiler birds, 7,000 bags of broiler feeds, as well as essential drugs and vaccines under the Osun Broiler Outgrower Production Scheme (OBOPS),” Hon. Faseru announced. He further explained that the scheme is designed to make table birds available to consumers within six weeks, with the aim of repeating this cycle up to six times a year, ensuring a consistent supply of poultry products in the market.
The OBOPS is not only about enhancing food production but also serves as a sustainable means of empowering farmers and boosting the local economy. The comprehensive approach adopted by the state government includes providing all necessary resources to participating farmers, from the day-old chicks to feeds, vaccines, and veterinary services, ensuring that they achieve optimal results.
Governor Adeleke’s Financial Support to Poultry Farmers
It is worth recalling that on August 30, 2024, Governor Ademola Adeleke took a groundbreaking step by presenting a cheque of eight hundred million, six hundred thousand naira (₦800,600,000) to each poultry farmer participating in the Osun Broiler Outgrower Production Scheme. This substantial financial support has enabled farmers to raise up to two thousand (2,000) day-old broiler birds to table size within a six-week period, with the government guaranteeing a buy-back arrangement through its off-taker strategy.
The buy-back scheme ensures that farmers are not left stranded with their produce, providing them with a reliable market for their poultry products. This cycle is set to be repeated continuously, creating a steady stream of income for participating farmers and contributing to the overall goal of enhancing food security in Osun State.
PWDs Benefit from the Inclusive Scheme
One of the standout features of this initiative is its inclusivity, as it has deliberately incorporated members of the PWD community. This move aligns with the broader objective of Governor Adeleke’s administration to foster an inclusive society where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources.
Hon. Oladosu noted that the inclusion of PWDs in this scheme is a game-changer, as it offers them a chance to be economically self-reliant and actively participate in the agricultural sector. He urged more PWDs to take advantage of such opportunities, highlighting that agriculture, especially poultry farming, has the potential to transform lives and provide a sustainable means of livelihood.
A Positive Step Towards Economic Growth and Food Security
This latest effort by the Osun State Government demonstrates its commitment to developing the agricultural sector as a means of achieving food security, economic growth, and poverty alleviation. By investing in initiatives like OBOPS, the government is not only increasing the availability of poultry products in the market but also creating job opportunities, improving the income of farmers, and enhancing the overall standard of living for citizens.
Hon. Faseru assured that the administration would continue to support the agricultural sector, providing farmers with the resources and infrastructure needed to thrive. He also called on farmers to remain dedicated and make the most of the opportunities provided by the government.
In conclusion, the Osun State government’s distribution of poultry inputs, feeds, and vaccines to farmers, especially those with disabilities, marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards sustainable agricultural development and inclusivity. With Governor Adeleke’s administration prioritizing empowerment, food security, and the economic well-being of its citizens, the future of agriculture in Osun State looks promising. This initiative not only highlights the potential of agriculture as a means of livelihood but also reinforces the state’s commitment to building a society that leaves no one behind.
