The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has reaffirmed its commitment to support smallholder farmers and enhance agricultural productivity in Ogun State. This is being achieved through the transformation of the agricultural sector via the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme.
Official Flag-off and Sensitisation Programme
The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, disclosed this during the official flag-off and sensitisation programme for cassava and rice value chain actors, held at the Yewa South Local Council in Ilaro. Owotomo, represented by the Acting State Project Coordinator of SAPZ, Ibrahim Busi, stated that the programme aims to empower smallholder farmers, improve access to agricultural inputs, and encourage greater participation of youths and women in agriculture to boost food production and improve livelihoods.
Impact on Beneficiaries
The commissioner urged youths across the state to take advantage of the programme’s opportunities by registering and actively participating. He noted that the initiative would directly impact over 100,000 beneficiaries and indirectly benefit more than 500,000 people through various agricultural interventions and value chain development activities.
Components of SAPZ Programme
Busi, in his welcome address, outlined the four major components of the SAPZ programme: infrastructure development and management of agro-industrial hubs; agricultural productivity; production and market linkages within SAPZ catchment areas; and policy and institutional development support, as well as programme coordination and management.
Fitness Expert Advises Fathers on Health
In another development, as Nigerian fathers join others globally to celebrate Fathers’ Day on Sunday, June 21, 2026, a fitness expert and Chairman of Gategold Fitness Company, Goodluck Obi, has enjoined fathers to value keeping fit as an investment in healthy living and longevity. The fitness expert, who spoke in Lagos during an interactive session with journalists, urged fathers to pay special attention to their health and wellness, adding that a father is the head of the family and the engine driving all other parts.
Recommendations for Fathers
He recommended good food, supplements, and a daily exercise routine for all fathers, adding that they should buy the best fitness equipment to keep at home and make use of it. “Your account balance is your state of health, not the money in the bank. Many people think going to a gym and doing exercises is a pastime of the rich. That’s not true. We all need to stay healthy, regardless of financial status,” he said.
