The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has provided agricultural inputs to the Nigerian Agriculture Cooperative Organization (NACO), a well-established farmers’ cooperative group in Ogun State.
The distribution event took place on Tuesday, March 10, at the NACO Secretariat in Asero, Abeokuta, the state capital, aimed at supporting all-year-round farming in the region.
The inputs provided by the government include power tillers, fertilizers, spray pumps, planters, herbicides, tomato and pepper seeds, pumping machines, and more. These resources are expected to significantly improve farming activities, particularly in preparation for the dry season.
Speaking at the event, Pastor Olatunji Abogunrin, the Ogun State coordinator of NACO, expressed deep gratitude for the support, highlighting that it had been a long time since farmers in the state received such a major intervention from the federal government.
“We are truly grateful to the federal government for this support,” Pastor Abogunrin said. “It’s been a long while since farmers in Ogun State have received such assistance. We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for showing renewed attention and support to farmers under his leadership.”
Pastor Abogunrin further explained to NACO members that the provision of farm inputs was a demonstration of the federal government’s continued commitment to supporting agriculture and farmers across the country. He encouraged the cooperative members to remain hopeful, reassuring them that further support would follow.
“We must continue to share the good news with our communities and encourage them not to give up,” he said. “The little we received today is a testament to the federal government’s commitment. It’s a gradual process, and other farmers’ groups have not yet received even this much.”
The NACO chairman also addressed the cooperative members, urging them not to view the current allotment as the final aid. He encouraged them to share the resources they received with unity and love.
“There’s more coming. Don’t think that what we’ve received today is all there is. More support is on the way,” the chairman said. “The federal government is committed to ensuring that all farmers benefit.”
In closing, Pastor Abogunrin appealed to the federal government to increase the size of the grants and inputs, as the number of farmers and their needs are substantial. He emphasized that the work of farmers is demanding and requires sustained support for the agricultural sector to thrive in Ogun State.
The members of NACO were visibly pleased with the farm inputs, particularly the inclusion of the pumping machines, which will improve irrigation systems, and the herbicides, which will help protect their crops from pests. The planters were also welcomed as essential tools for improving planting efficiency.
“This is a great relief for us,” one NACO member stated. “These inputs will surely make a huge difference on our farms.”
The program, which was organized to distribute the government’s agricultural support to NACO, reflects the federal government’s ongoing efforts to bolster the agricultural sector and empower farmers in Ogun State and across Nigeria.
