Adefemi Adesakin
The Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF), a collective body of farmers committed to sustainable agriculture and economic growth, has recognized the contributions of the Executive Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Amb. Adesina ‘Lanre Ogunsola, FCPA, by appointing him as the Grand Patron of the organization.
The announcement was made by the Director of Information, Prince Segun Soneye, in a press statement titled “Obafemi Owode LG: Commodity Alliance Forum Honors Amb. Ogunsola as Grand Patron” on Monday.
According to the statement, the appointment is in recognition of Ogunsola’s unwavering commitment to agricultural development in Obafemi Owode Local Government. “The council boss has demonstrated outstanding leadership and vision in guiding efforts to ensure the success of the CAF initiative across the council area,” the statement read.
In response, Amb. Ogunsola expressed gratitude to the forum for acknowledging his administration’s strides in agricultural development. He noted the strategic importance of Obafemi Owode as an industrial hub with proximity to Lagos and Oyo states, particularly in rice and cassava production.
To further support the CAF initiative, the chairman allocated two plots of land within the local government for the establishment of the forum’s headquarters. “This is in pursuit of their goals of promoting food security and creating employment opportunities for farmers,” he stated.
Speaking on the significance of CAF, Alhaji Kamorudeen Shokunbi, the Ogun State Chairman of the organization, explained that the forum operates as an arm of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), Ogun State Government (OGSG), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Value Chain Development Program (VCDP). According to him, CAF was established to sustain and maintain the objectives of agricultural programs focused on job creation and food security.
He further disclosed that the initiative has supported over 5,000 farmers in Obafemi Owode Local Government through capacity building, training on good agronomic practices, and the construction of processing centers. “Farmers engaged in IFAD and VCDP programs have benefited immensely, gaining knowledge in agricultural production, processing, and marketing,” Shokunbi stated.
The decision to appoint Amb. Ogunsola as Grand Patron, he added, was to leverage his expertise in navigating local government policies and ensuring that CAF’s initiatives align with the needs of the farming community.
In a related development, the Executive Chairman visited Young Agro Company, a thriving agricultural enterprise led by renowned farmer Mr. Johnson Ajibola. Expressing his delight at the company’s progress, Ogunsola remarked, “I am not surprised Young Agro is thriving, considering where you started. I am highly proud of you, and I believe this serves as an inspiration for other youths to embrace productive engagement in agriculture.”
During the visit, Ogunsola also interacted with local farmers and assured them of his administration’s continued support in enhancing agricultural productivity and economic empowerment.
