By: Sunday Ameh
The Ondo State Government, through the Livestock Productivity Resilience Support (L—PRES) Project, has distributed no fewer than 70 motorcycles to enhance livestock extension services and lead farmers in the state.
Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, who flagged off the distribution on Thursday in Akure, said the gesture was to strengthen service delivery, improve food security, and enhance agricultural productivity.
Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Segun Omojuwa, described agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy.
According to him, the state’s economic growth depends heavily on effective support systems, particularly the agricultural extension service, which serves as a bridge between government policies and grassroots farmers.
The governor, who said mobility challenges had long hindered extension officers from reaching farmers in remote areas, explained that the distribution would help close the gap to improve production.
“These motorcycles will enable officers to reach more communities, respond more quickly to field challenges, and deliver timely technical guidance on modern farming practices and livestock management.
“This initiative aligns with the administration’s broader vision to transition farmers from subsistence to commercial agriculture while encouraging youth participation in the sector,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa commended L-PRES and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for their roles in implementing the programme and strengthening agricultural value chains in the state.
The governor, therefore, advised beneficiaries against misuse of the motorcycles, stressing that they were strictly for official duties and not for commercial purposes.
He urged extension officers to act responsibly, saying the success of the programme depended largely on their dedication and proper utilisation of the equipment.
Aiyedatiwa pledged continued investment in agricultural development, improved access to inputs, and enhanced extension services, while the government would extend support to other farming groups.
Earlier, Mr. Leye Akinola, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, described the initiative as a significant milestone under L-PRES to improve livestock production and enhance farmers’ resilience.
Akinola applauded the governor for his continued commitment to the agricultural sector, saying the Aiyedatiwa-led administration had created an enabling environment for development-driven programmes such as L-PRES to thrive.
The commissioner, who urged the beneficiaries to use the motorcycles responsibly, said the project implementation unit would carry out regular monitoring to ensure proper use and maintenance.
He also said the motorcycles would address longstanding mobility challenges faced by extension officers in covering vast rural areas with difficult terrain.
“The lack of transportation has historically limited regular engagement with farmers, which has weakened the impact of government agricultural programmes.
“Distribution of the motorcycles as ‘instruments of transformation’ will enable extension agents to reach remote communities more efficiently, deliver modern livestock practices, and improve productivity at the grassroots level,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs Foluke Tunde-Daramola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, appreciated the governor and the L-PRES team for their support in facilitating the distribution and called on beneficiaries to make judicious use of the motorcycles.
Meanwhile, Mr Adelana Adebusoye, a livestock extension agent who spoke on behalf of the extension workers, commended the state government for the gesture, saying it would go a long way to improve their service delivery.
Mr Olufemi Adeogun, L-PRES State Project Coordinator (SPC), appreciated the participants and the governor for his support in implementing the programme in the state.
Leave a Reply