The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate for Saki West State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Salaudeen Kabeer Adebayo, has reaffirmed his commitment to farmers’ welfare, saying his agricultural empowerment programme was not motivated by his current political ambition.
Adebayo made the clarification during the sixth edition of his agricultural empowerment programme, where farmers in Saki West received improved seeds, farm chemicals and modern agricultural tools.
The beneficiaries also underwent practical training conducted by agricultural experts on modern farming techniques, effective management of farm resources, improved productivity and proper use and maintenance of farm equipment.
Adebayo said the intervention was driven by his longstanding concern for the welfare of farmers and his desire to strengthen the productive capacity of people whose activities contribute significantly to food security and the local economy.
He stressed that his support for farmers predated his emergence as a political candidate, adding that empowering them remained an investment in the economic development of Saki West.
According to him, access to quality agricultural inputs, relevant knowledge and appropriate tools would help farmers increase their output, reduce production challenges and improve household income.
The APM candidate also called for greater collaboration among government agencies, private-sector stakeholders, development organisations, traditional institutions and farmers to build a sustainable agricultural value chain.
He urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the inputs and equipment provided, saying the ultimate objective was to translate the intervention into increased food production and improved livelihoods.
The beneficiaries commended Adebayo for what they described as his consistent support for farmers and grassroots development.
They noted his interventions in agriculture, youth empowerment, education and support for vulnerable members of the community, describing the latest programme as timely given the rising cost of agricultural production.
One of the beneficiaries of a previous edition recalled that improved seeds received through the programme yielded a successful harvest, providing food for his family and generating more than N50,000 from the sale of surplus produce.
The event attracted agricultural experts, farmers, political and community leaders, traditional stakeholders, women and youth representatives, including the APM chairman, leader of the Saki West Legislative Arm, councillors, Gboro Community Chairman, Baale Agbe and representatives of Indorama.