The Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), has called for stronger collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to improve data governance and enhance the delivery of social protection programmes across the State.

The  Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr. Oluwaseun Ojo, said this during a two-day workshop on Strengthening Data Governance for the Social Protection Management Information System (SP-MIS), held at Kakanfo Guest Inn, Ibadan, in collaboration with the ILO.

The Commissioner, represented by the Director  Social Protection Coordination, Mr Hadi Olanase, explained that reliable data and effective information management were essential to ensuring that Government interventions reached those who needed them most.

Olanase added that the workshop would help translate assessment findings into practical measures to improve data quality, security, information sharing and interoperability among Government systems.

He encouraged participating MDAs and Management Information System (MIS) officers to share experiences, identify challenges and propose sustainable solutions for strengthening social protection data governance in the State.

In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Julius Ayanleke, represented by the Deputy Director Social Protection, Mr Jimoh Adeleke, emphasised the importance of data sharing among MDAs to improve beneficiary identification, accountability and social protection delivery.

He urged stakeholders to protect beneficiaries’ personal information in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

In his goodwill message, the National Project Officer–SUSI, Mr Benedict Obute, representing the ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Dr Vanessa Phala, stressed the need for coordinated and interoperable data systems to improve social protection delivery and reduce data fragmentation.

In her goodwill message, ActionAid Nigeria ESSPIN Programme Officer, Mrs Abidemi Ewuyemi, highlighted the importance of the National Social Register in identifying vulnerable households and informing policies, while reaffirming ActionAid’s commitment to strengthening social protection in Oyo State.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Government has called for stronger trade and investment partnerships to expand business opportunities, promote local enterprises and drive economic growth as the 2026 Oyo State International Trade Fair, EXPOYO 2026, officially opened on Tuesday, October 27, at the Permanent International Trade Fair Complex, Sango, Ibadan.

The Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu  Adelabu, stated this while delivering the address of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, at the opening ceremony.

Speaking on the theme of the fair, “Trade Without Borders: Connecting Oyo Entrepreneurs to Africa’s Business Opportunities,” Professor Adelabu said the event should serve as more than a platform for buying and selling, stressing its potential to promote innovation, attract investment, strengthen business relationships and develop the State’s local economy.

He emphasised the importance of branding, publicity and innovation in improving the competitiveness of local businesses, noting that the talents and expertise available in the State’s universities, polytechnics and other higher institutions should be harnessed to develop entrepreneurs, create jobs and boost productivity.

The Commissioner also highlighted the proposed dry port in Akinyele, the establishment of a Commercial and Export Development Department in the Ministry, and opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He called for stronger collaboration between the Government and the organised private sector, urging businesses to take advantage of existing policies and opportunities to create wealth and prosperity. He subsequently declared the fair open on behalf of Governor Makinde.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, commended the State Government’s commitment to infrastructure development and institutional reforms. He described the trade fair as an important platform for connecting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and investors with wider markets across Africa.

He urged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the fair to establish business relationships, showcase their products and explore avenues for commercial growth.

The President of the Oyo Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ESV Niran Adewoyin, described the theme as timely, expressing optimism that the fair would attract investment, strengthen supply chains, improve product standards, expand exports and create employment opportunities.

He encouraged participants to establish lasting business relationships that would extend beyond the exhibition.

Similarly, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Engineer Doctor Jani Ibrahim, represented by Chief Kola Akosile, Chairman of the Association’s Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Trade Group and former President of ODUACCIMA, urged entrepreneurs to improve product quality, embrace technology, meet certification requirements and position their businesses to compete effectively in African markets.

The Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo, described the fair as a strategic platform for promoting indigenous businesses, strengthening market activities and expanding opportunities for traders across the State.

He urged traders to embrace innovation, improve product quality and explore emerging local and international markets to grow their businesses.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of market leaders to supporting Government policies that promote a peaceful trading environment, wealth creation and sustainable economic development.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Chief Wole Akinwande, former President of the Oyo Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture; Chief Ogunnike, President of the Ibadan Chamber of Commerce; and Mr. Salawu Wahab, Chairman of the Organising Committee of EXPOYO 2026.

Their remarks which highlighted the importance of sustained stakeholder engagement, business cooperation and active participation in activities that promote trade and investment.

A major highlight of the ceremony was a tour of the exhibition booths and pavilions led by Professor Adelabu and accompanied by other dignitaries. The Commissioner interacted with exhibitors and inspected products, services and innovations on display, underscoring the importance of showcasing local businesses, increasing their visibility and creating opportunities for networking and commercial partnerships.

The 2026 Oyo State International Trade Fair, holding from October 26 to November 1, brings together entrepreneurs, manufacturers, investors and other stakeholders to showcase their products and services, strengthen business connections and explore trade and investment opportunities across Africa.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Health has trained the  Local Government Area Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Supervisors (LGATBLS) to strengthen tuberculosis (TB) case detection, management and control across the State.

Speaking at a two-day capacity-building training held at Scrolab Executive Hotel, Oke Ado, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said the training was designed to equip newly appointed supervisors with the knowledge and skills required for effective tuberculosis (TB) case management, while updating existing supervisors on current approaches and best practices in TB control.

The Commissioner, represented by the Director of Secondary Health Care and Training, Dr. Johnson Babalola, expressed optimism that Oyo State could contribute significantly to achieving the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) End TB Strategy targets of reducing TB-related deaths by 90 per cent and new cases by 80 per cent by 2030, with the long-term goal of ending the global TB epidemic by 2035.

She explained that significant improvements had been recorded in TB case detection since 2020, attributing the progress to the implementation of key strategies, including early case detection, prompt treatment and TB preventive treatment for eligible individuals infected with the bacteria but who have not developed active TB disease.

Dr. Ajetunmobi also highlighted the availability of screening and diagnostic tools as a major contributor to the State’s progress in TB management. These include portable digital chest X-ray equipment and rapid diagnostic technologies such as GeneXpert, Truenat MTB/RIF, TB-LAMP and LF-LAM, which support timely diagnosis and treatment across many local government areas.

Speaking on the signs and symptoms of tuberculosis, the Commissioner identified a persistent cough lasting two weeks or longer as a major warning sign, particularly when accompanied by weight loss, fatigue, fever, night sweats, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood or loss of appetite.

He further explained that TB symptoms in children may include persistent low-grade fever that does not respond to malaria treatment, weight loss, poor appetite, failure to thrive, and swelling of the joints or bones.

Speaking on behalf of the TBL Supervisors, the Chairman of TBLS Forum for Oyo State, Mr. Akanbi Oyebamiji, expressed appreciation to the management of the Oyo State Ministry of Health and the entire State Team, led by the State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme Manager (STBLCPM), Dr. Rabiu Zaynab, for organising the capacity-building training.

A two-day training is expected to strengthen the capacity of supervisors to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to improve timely TB detection, effective case management and treatment outcomes in their respective local government areas.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), has declared that there will be no sacred cow in the enforcement of the Oyo State Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, warning that violators risk a fine of ₦500,000 or 5 years imprisonment for first offence.

Justice Aderemi gave the warning during a live Radio interview in  Ibadan, said  OYRLEA was established in April 2024 by Governor Seyi Makinde to put an end to lawlessness and ensure total compliance with extant laws on environment, traffic, agriculture and public order.

She revealed that the Authority has commenced intensive enforcement operations, including dawn operations that led to the impounding of cattle at Atowoda in Ido LGA, Batake Village along Ibadan-Eruwa Road, Idi-Iroko, Moniya, and government farm settlements in Ido, Ijaye and Akinyele.

“Open grazing is illegal in Oyo State. The law is very clear. Our farm settlements are for farmers, not for herders. If you want to rear cattle, go to the Ministry of Agriculture, get a licence and get a ranch allocated to you. You cannot destroy people’s crops and livelihoods and go scot-free,” she said.

The retired jurist cited Section 16(1) of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, which prescribes 5 years imprisonment or ₦500,000 fine for first offenders, and 10 years or ₦2 million for subsequent offenders, in addition to compensation to victims based on Ministry of Agriculture assessment.

On the allegation of bias and extortion during enforcement, the Chairperson dismissed it as false and misleading.

“Our operations are based on petitions from farmers and verifiable evidence of crop destruction. Due process is always followed. Anyone who feels aggrieved should report to us, not blackmail the Authority on air,” she stated.

Justice Aderemi disclosed that OYRLEA has also sustained massive sensitization through radio and television jingles, stakeholder roundtables with farmers, herders, traditional rulers and livestock dealers, and the establishment of joint conflict resolution committees to prevent escalation.

She therefore urged residents to report violations promptly, stressing that public cooperation is key to achieving a cleaner, safer and food-secure Oyo State.

“We are not targeting any tribe or occupation. We are protecting the rule of law. Whether you are rearing cows in a residential area, dumping refuse or trading on the road, the law will catch up with you,” she warned.

E-Signed* :

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board (OYSPHCB), in partnership with the Asido Foundation, has called for greater inclusion of people with lived experience in mental healthcare planning and service delivery to improve the quality of care and address stigma and discrimination.

The call was made on Wednesday during the 2026 World Mental Health Day commemoration held at Tamunominini Hall, Ibadan North-East Local Government Area of Oyo State, under the theme, “ Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, emphasised the need to prioritise mental health as an essential component of overall well-being.

He called for increased public awareness, early identification of mental health concerns and improved access to appropriate care through primary healthcare facilities.

Olatunji noted that effective mental healthcare must reflect the needs, experiences and dignity of affected individuals.

He stressed that listening to people with lived experience would help healthcare providers deliver more responsive and inclusive services.

He further highlighted the need to integrate mental health promotion, early identification, referrals and support services into routine primary healthcare delivery to ensure that individuals experiencing mental health challenges receive timely and appropriate assistance.

In her remarks, Director of Family Health, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Zainab Hamzat, highlighted the importance of open conversations about mental health.

She called for the creation of supportive environments where individuals can freely share their experiences and seek help without fear of judgement, stigma or discrimination.

Hamzat noted that sustained mental health education would help correct misconceptions, reduce stigma and encourage people to seek professional assistance.

She also emphasised the importance of collaboration among Government agencies, healthcare professionals, development partners and communities.

In her goodwill message, the Programme Manager of the Asido Foundation, Dr. Toluwalope Orotoye, stressed the role of partnerships in strengthening mental health advocacy and public education.

She called for greater recognition of the experiences of people living with mental health conditions.

In his goodwill message, the Director of Special Duties, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Abiodun Akande, called for collective action to address mental health challenges.

He highlighted the roles of Government institutions, healthcare providers, families and community leaders in ensuring that affected individuals receive appropriate support.

Delivering a paper titled “Lived Experience: Patients at the Centre of Care,” a consultant psychiatrist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and the Asido Foundation, Dr. Oyeyemi Afolabi, emphasised the importance of incorporating patients’ experiences and perspectives into mental healthcare planning and service delivery.

He also highlighted the role of people with lived experience as valuable contributors to advocacy, service improvement and policy development.

Participants were encouraged to challenge stigma, discrimination and harmful misconceptions that prevent people from seeking mental health services.

They were also urged to promote empathy, respect confidentiality and treat affected individuals with dignity.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has formally commenced full-scale operations at its new permanent headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan, with a landmark Environmental Protection Tribunal session and a powerful dedicatory prayer meeting, marking a new chapter in the enforcement of the rule of law in Oyo State.

At the Environmental Protection Tribunal sitting today, October 20, 2026, presided over by Mr. Kunle Abimbola, Esq., three defendants were arraigned for improper refuse disposal and other environmental infractions. The first defendant pleaded guilty to Count One but not guilty to Counts Two and Three; the second pleaded guilty to all counts, while the third pleaded guilty to Count One and not guilty to Counts Two and Three. The Tribunal fixed penalties at ₦30,000 for Count One, ₦20,000 for Count Two and ₦10,000 for Count Three, in line with extant environmental laws.

Speaking after the proceedings, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), F.DRI.F.ICMC, said the commencement of activities at the new headquarters is a call to higher responsibility. She charged officers and staff to be more zealous and proactive in the discharge of their duties.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. The Governor has given us a befitting headquarters and all the resources we need. Now is the time to be on top of our game. We must embrace enforcement with renewed vigour and ensure compliance in every part of this State,” she declared.

Justice Aderemi further charged personnel to uphold the highest standards of work ethics, discipline and professionalism, noting that regular training and retraining would be institutionalized to sharpen operational efficiency. According to her, OYRLEA will no longer be confined to Ibadan but will extend its operations across all local government areas and geopolitical zones of the State.

“We must go out, we must cover the length and breadth of Oyo State. Markets, roads, public spaces and our environment must reflect order, safety and cleanliness. We cannot afford to fail the people of Oyo State,” she added.

Later in the day, the Authority held an inaugural prayer session at the conference hall of the new headquarters, attended by the Chairperson, members of the Board of Directors, management and staff of the Authority.

The General Overseer of Riverside Victory International Christian Ministry, Reverend Joseph K. Afolabi, delivered a stirring exhortation, urging staff to see their assignment as a divine calling to serve humanity and promote justice.

He admonished the workforce to work in unity, love and with a single mind in pursuit of the Authority’s mandate.

Reverend Afolabi prayed that the Almighty God would continually shield, protect and preserve all officers of the Authority as they go about their enforcement duties.

He also offered fervent prayers for unity and progress of the Authority, for peace and sustainable development in Oyo State, and for the Oyo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, D.Sc., GSSRS.

The combined court session and prayer meeting underscore OYRLEA’s dual resolve to enforce environmental and public order laws without compromise while seeking divine guidance for effective service delivery.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a cleaner, safer, healthier and more orderly Oyo State.

E-Signed:

*Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board has flagged off a two-day free eye screening and reading glasses distribution exercise for civil servants within the State Secretariat and other eligible beneficiaries aged 40 years and above.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Board’s headquarters, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Chairman of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Hon. Dada Awoleye, described the exercise as a significant intervention aimed at promoting preventive healthcare, improving vision, and enhancing the quality of life of beneficiaries.

He explained that the outreach was designed to improve access to essential eye care services, particularly for individuals experiencing presbyopia, an age-related condition that makes it difficult to see objects clearly at close range.

The initiative is being implemented by the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, with support from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s National Eye Health Programme.

Awoleye emphasised the importance of regular eye screening, particularly among adults aged 40 and above.

He noted that good vision is essential for productivity, effective service delivery and overall well-being.

He stated that the initiative would provide eligible beneficiaries with free eye screening and reading glasses, where clinically appropriate, to address the challenges associated with presbyopia and improve their ability to perform daily activities.

The Chairman commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Eye Health Programme, CHAI and the Oyo State Government, led by the Executive Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, for their collaboration and support. He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to expand access to essential healthcare services across the State.

The Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, was represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Mustapha Festus, who highlighted the importance of integrating preventive health interventions into routine healthcare delivery.

He noted that visual difficulties could affect productivity, independence and daily activities. He therefore encouraged eligible civil servants and other beneficiaries to take advantage of the outreach, stressing that partnerships between government institutions and development partners remain crucial to improving health outcomes.

The representative of CHAI, Dr. Adebayo Durojaye, underscored the importance of collaboration in expanding access to eye care services, particularly for adults with limited access to routine screening and corrective eyewear. He explained that interventions of this nature help identify common vision problems and facilitate timely access to appropriate care.

The State Eye Health Programme Officer, Mrs. Aderonke Ogunlade, explained that the exercise was designed to provide free presbyopia screening and distribute reading glasses to eligible beneficiaries aged 40 years and above. She encouraged civil servants within the State secretariat and other qualified participants to take advantage of the opportunity to assess their eye health.

Presbyopia is a common age-related condition that gradually reduces the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. It can cause blurred near vision and difficulty reading, writing and performing other close-up tasks, making early identification and appropriate correction important.

Through the two-day outreach, eligible beneficiaries will receive eye screening and free reading glasses where clinically appropriate. Individuals identified with other eye conditions requiring further attention may be referred to qualified eye care professionals for additional assessment and treatment.

The initiative is expected to increase awareness of eye health, encourage routine screening and reduce barriers to accessing basic vision care, particularly among adults whose professional and personal responsibilities depend on clear near vision.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board appreciates the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Eye Health Programme, CHAI and the Oyo State Government for their collaboration in delivering this important intervention.

The Board reiterates its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services, promoting preventive health practices and working with relevant stakeholders to ensure access to quality, equitable and people-centred healthcare across Oyo State.

*E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Government has commenced stakeholders’ engagement and consultative meetings across the seven geographical zones of the State as part of efforts to obtain citizens’ inputs into the preparation of the 2027 Budget.

The exercise, being organised by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, is aimed at providing an avenue for residents, traditional rulers, community leaders, organised groups and other stakeholders to present their priority needs and development concerns for consideration in the 2027 Budget.

The consultative meetings are being held across the seven geographical zones of the State, namely Oke-Ogun Zone I, Oke-Ogun Zone II, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ibarapa, Ibadan Main City and Ibadan Greater City.

Speaking at the engagement in Aago-Are, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Adebayo Lawal, said the exercise was part of the administration’s commitment to listening directly to the people and ensuring that their needs and priorities form part of the State’s budget planning process.

He explained that the Government was particularly interested in receiving the views of residents on critical areas of development, including road infrastructure, security, healthcare, education and other sectors that directly affect the wellbeing and economic activities of the people.

On road infrastructure, the Deputy Governor assured residents that the government would continue to give attention to roads linking rural communities with urban centres, noting that improved road networks would facilitate the movement of people and farm produce.

He said the administration recognised the importance of connecting rural communities to major towns, stressing that good roads would help ensure that agricultural produce from rural areas could move easily to urban markets.

Lawal disclosed that the Nigerian Army had approved the establishment of an Army Battalion in Kishi, assuring that the State Government would provide the necessary support to strengthen security in the area.

The Deputy Governor noted that Oke-Ogun had abundant solid mineral resources and urged traditional rulers to ensure their responsible exploitation in line with Government regulations.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr. Ayobami Ojo, said the importance of the engagement was to provide an opportunity for everyone to contribute to the preparation of the 2027 Budget. He assured the stakeholders that their submissions would be considered and reflected in the budget where appropriate.

Also speaking at the Iseyin Local Government Secretariat, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. (Alhaja) Faosat Joke Sanni, appreciated the people of Oke-Ogun Zone I for their cooperation and support for the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, urging them to sustain the support.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Julius Ayanleke, said the programme was the eighth edition of the stakeholders’ engagement meeting, adding that the exercise was approved by the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to enable the Government visit all the zones and receive inputs from the people for consideration in the 2027 Budget.

The event was attended by traditional rulers, religious leaders, Government officials, supervisory councillors, special advisers, community leaders, among others.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has trained 250 budget officers drawn from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across the State on the use and application of the National Chart of Accounts (NCoA) template for budget preparation and implementation.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr. Ayobami Oluwaseun Ojo, said a credible budget was essential to the effective implementation of Government policies, programmes and projects.

He stated this during a three-day sensitisation workshop on the use and application of the National Chart of Accounts (NCoA), held at the Ibadan Business School, Bodija, Ibadan.

Ojo said the training was necessary to address identified gaps in budget preparation and strengthen the technical capacity of budget officers.

He added that effective application of the NCoA would promote uniformity in budget preparation, improve budget monitoring and enhance accountability in the management of public resources.

The Commissioner stressed that the 2027 budget estimates must align with the Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU), Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), Budget Policy Statement (BPS) and Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for 2027–2029, as well as the State’s “Omituntun 2.0” roadmap and Agenda 2040.

He said the alignment would help ensure that public resources were directed towards sustainable development and improved welfare of the people.

Delivering his goodwill message, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Ghafar Bello, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his support for the Ministry, noting that the collaboration between project execution and economic planning had contributed to improved coordination in the State’s planning and budgeting processes.

Speaking on the importance of the training, the Social Policy Manager, UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Mr. Mohammed Okorie, said UNICEF was supporting Oyo State, through the EU-UNICEF project, to strengthen budgeting practices and ensure that child-focused interventions across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were adequately captured in the State’s budget.

Okorie urged all MDAs to mainstream child-focused issues into their plans and programmes, irrespective of their sectors, with particular attention to the needs of adolescents, especially adolescent girls, and children with disabilities.

He noted that Government expenditure remained a sustainable source of financing programmes targeted at improving the welfare of children and families.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Julius Ayanleke, appreciated UNICEF for its collaboration and support, while urging the participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve budget preparation and implementation across their respective MDAs.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

…Targets improved food production, resilience to climate change, reduced post-harvest losses

The Oyo State Government has commenced the training of 880 farmers and agricultural extension officers drawn from the various geopolitical zones of the State on Climate-Smart Agriculture, as part of efforts to boost food production, enhance resilience to climate change and reduce post-harvest losses.

The training, which commenced on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Fertilizer Store, Oyo, is being implemented under the 2025 Business Enabling Reform Action Plan (BERAP), through the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme, which seeks to improve the ease of doing business and create more business opportunities in the State.

Declaring the training open, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, described Climate-Smart Agriculture as critical to the future of food production, the economy and society, particularly in the face of climate change, soil degradation, unpredictable weather patterns and a growing population.

The Commissioner noted that with the global population projected to approach 10 billion by 2050, there was an urgent need to produce more food with fewer resources, stressing that traditional farming methods alone might not be sufficient to meet the increasing demand for food. According to him, Climate-Smart Agriculture involves the application of modern technologies, innovation and scientific knowledge to improve farming efficiency, productivity and sustainability while protecting the environment.

Olaleye explained that technologies such as satellite monitoring, sensors, mobile applications, artificial intelligence, drones, automated irrigation systems and data analytics could help farmers monitor crop health, manage soil fertility, control pests and optimise the use of water and other agricultural inputs.

He added that the adoption of smart agricultural practices would enable farmers to apply fertilisers and pesticides more efficiently, reduce waste and production costs, increase profitability and minimise environmental pollution.

Olaleye stressed that the adoption of modern agricultural technologies would help transform farming from a largely labour-intensive activity into a technology-driven sector, while creating opportunities for young people and generating new jobs in agricultural technology.

He, however, emphasised that achieving a successful transition to smart agriculture required strong collaboration among Government, research institutions, private sector partners, extension personnel and farmers.

He called for continuous investment in rural infrastructure, supportive policies, access to digital technology, agricultural education and training, as well as financial support for smallholder farmers.

Olaleye assured that the State Government would ensure that farmers were adequately equipped with the knowledge and tools required to participate in the transformation, stressing that “no farmer should be left behind.”

The Commissioner urged participants to take full advantage of the training and apply the knowledge gained to improve agricultural production and extension services across the State. He emphasised that Climate-Smart Agriculture was not merely about technology but about building a resilient, sustainable and profitable agricultural sector capable of feeding the growing population while preserving natural resources for future generations.

Olaleye said, “The future of agriculture lies not only in the soil but also in innovation, technology and collaboration,” adding that effective deployment of modern agricultural tools would create a thriving agricultural sector that benefits farmers, consumers and the entire nation.

In his remarks, the SABER Focal Person, Mr. Kilanko Olayemi, who spoke through Mr. Roland Adekunle, said the project would train 880 participants across the geopolitical zones in the State. He noted that the initiative was designed to reduce post-harvest losses in the agricultural sector.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), the AFAN Zonal Coordinator, Oyo, Mr. Debo Fakayode, commended the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde for its commitment to building a vibrant and sustainable agricultural ecosystem in the State, noting that the training for extension personnel and selected farmers across the State was another demonstration of the Government’s commitment to improving food security and strengthening the agricultural sector.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.