Four farmers’ co-operative societies in the Nigerian state of Lagos have received grants totalling 8m Nigerian Naira (NGN) to enable them to contribute to the national food security.
The Lagos State Government has assisted farmers with the equivalent of almost £21,000, which will be spent on modern tools to aid commercialisation of agriculture in the state.
Sanni Okanlawon, special adviser on food security, made the disclosure last month, saying the money was given under the National Food Security Programme in collaboration with the Federal Government.
He added: “The amounts given to the groups depend on the size of the co-operative.
“The grant is such that the Federal Government gives half of the money, while the state government provides the other half.
“When the money is given, part of it is released to the groups while the ministry takes the other part to purchase farm equipment needed by the groups to increase production.
“This is another way of empowering farmers towards improving food security.
“The beneficiaries are closely monitored by the Agriculture Development Authority to guard against diversion of the funds.”
The societies to benefit from the scheme include Ayobo-Ipaja Farmers Forum (NGN2.5m), United Farmers Forum (NGN2.5m), Ifesowopa Farmers Cooperative Society (NGN1.5m) and Amuwo Odofin Cooperative Society (NGN1.5m).
Kunle Gbadamosi, a member of the Ayobo-Ipaja Farmers Forum, praised the government for the gesture, which he said had further assured farmers of the present administration’s drive to ensure food production and security.
