Over seven thousand youths in Ogun state have so far been empowered by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers’ agricultural programme through the cassava intervention project by the state government.
This was contained in a statement by the chief press secretary to Ogun state governor, Kunle Somorin, at the weekend.
Somorin said the agricultural project, tagged ‘Mega Ogun State Cassava Intervention Project,’ was flagged off May 4, 2020 by Governor Abiodun Makinde, as part of his administration’s resolve to ensure food security and youth empowerment.
He explained that the project, which was kick started by the governor with the presentation of 3,500 candidates to the CBN and the National Cassava Growers Association (NCGA), is being carried out in 16 locations across the state.
The CPS added in the statement that the candidates are now at the money making stage as their produce had been sold to various off takers provided by the state government.
He stated further that the project, has however, been expanded to accommodate additional 3,500 beneficiaries, while the governor approved the clearing of 2,500 hectares of land by the state ministry of agriculture.
“In response to the claim by young beneficiaries of the project, the Governor also approved the clearing of 2500ha by the Ministry of Agriculture for candidates who claimed not to have land which is a requirement for the linkage programme in sixteen locations across the state. Cumulative beneficiaries are now close to 7,000.
“The linkage programme is continuous as there are other six sites to follow which include, Pagbonrinoba (Ipokia LGA) Afon Estate (Imeko LGA) Mapoly(Obafemi Owode LGA), Obafe Town (Obafemi Owode LGA), Apojola (Odeda LGA) and Omugbawojo (Ijebu North East LGA),” the statement said.
