Farmers in Ijale-Orile, Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State have appealed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), to intervene in addressing the numerous challenges confronting agricultural activities in the community.
The appeal was made during the farmers’ monthly meeting held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, where they spoke with newsmen on the difficulties affecting farming and rural development in the area.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers, the Coordinator of Farmers for Yayi in Ijale, Mrs. Faleti Oluwatoyin Nike, commended Senator Adeola for his developmental projects across Ogun State, saying his interventions have brought hope to many communities.
According to her, despite witnessing and hearing about the senator’s achievements across the state, the Ijale community is yet to benefit from similar government interventions.
“We are seeing what Senator Yayi is doing all over Ogun State, and we are hearing about his good works. We sincerely appreciate him for all he has been doing. However, our community has not benefited from government interventions before. We are appealing to him to remember us,” she said.
Faleti lamented the poor condition of infrastructure in the community, saying farmers lack good access roads, tractors, processing factories and vehicles to transport their produce to markets.
She explained that the absence of transportation has forced many farmers to rely on motorcycles at high costs, while a significant quantity of farm produce perishes before reaching the market.
“Our products waste because we don’t have vehicles to take them to the market. Most times, we hire motorcycles to transport our produce, but the cost is too high and reduces the little profit we make,” she said.
She also raised concerns over the activities of suspected Fulani herdsmen, alleging that they frequently invade and destroy farmlands, thereby discouraging farming activities in the community.
According to her, the shortage of modern farming equipment and the high cost of labour have further compounded the challenges facing farmers.
“We need tractors to make farming easier. Those assisting us on the farms charge heavily, and there are not enough workers. These challenges are making farming more difficult every day,” she added.
Faleti further noted that many young people in the community have abandoned farming due to years of hard work without meaningful improvement in their livelihoods.
“If farmers and youths are empowered with equipment and support, things will change. Our youths are willing to work, but they need encouragement and opportunities,” she said.
Also speaking, one of the farmers, Mrs. Fatimo Okin Omowunmi, appealed to Senator Adeola to provide essential farming equipment and improve the road network in Ijale-Orile to ease the movement of agricultural produce.
She said many youths had lost interest in farming because they had not seen any tangible rewards despite years of engaging in agriculture.
“Our youths have lost interest because they have been farming for years without seeing any positive change. If Senator Yayi can provide the equipment we need and construct good roads, our work will become easier and many young people will return to farming,” she said.
Omowunmi added that empowering farmers and improving infrastructure would increase food production, create employment opportunities for youths and reduce crime in the community.
“There will be peace in the state, there will be less stealing, and people will have meaningful work to do,” she stated.
The farmers also appreciated Senator Adeola’s previous intervention in Ayetoro, describing it as a demonstration of his commitment to grassroots development.
They expressed optimism that if elected governor in 2027, Senator Adeola would prioritise agriculture, improve rural infrastructure, provide tractors and other modern farming equipment, tackle insecurity affecting farmers, create employment opportunities for youths and strengthen food production across Ogun State.
The farmers further pledged their support for the APC governorship candidate in the 2027 governorship election, assuring him of their votes.
