AGRIC-OYO AND OYOMESI

Prior to the discovery of hydrocarbon in Nigeria in 1956, our Nation survived on the proceeds from agriculture. However, the present dwindling and low price of a barrel of crude oil due to the issue of demand and supply between petroleum producing and consuming countries, the recent technology employed in some parts of the world to the exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources, etc. have resulted in the country’s drive to diversify the Nation’s source of revenue generation to other sectors such as solid minerals, agriculture, etc. 

In order to prepare the young minds of the present day for a better future, the Oyo State Model Education System Interventions (OYOMESI) created a club under the 1^st Strand of its Agenda – Character Education called the Young Farmers Club. The club which is aimed at steering the love and interest of agricultural practice in secondary school pupils, collaborated with Agric-OYO with the support of the Special Adviser to Gov. Abiola Ajimobi on Agriculture, Prof Oluwasegun Adekunle by organising a visit to some farms in the state.

Prof Oluwasegun Adekunle in blue, members of the Young Farmers Club, OYOMESI Project Officers and some farm workers during an orientation session upon arrival at the farm.

Members of the club and some OYOMESI Project Officers left Ibadan for the visit on Monday, September 18, 2017 to the Rural Community Development Centre (RCDC), Awe, Oyo Town, Oyo, where they were exposed to some activities carried out on the farm such as: use of the tree cutting machine, crops cultivation and processing of palm oil and cassava.

Members of the Young Farmers Club been shown how to use the Tree Cutting Machine.

Prof Adekunle and members of the Club on the farm.

The Club Members also visited the Oyo State Integrated Organic Farm (OYSIOF) which is a model of the Songhai Farm, Port Novo, Republic of Benin. The farm which is an initiative of the Executive Governor of the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi to train and empower youths in the state.

Young Farmers Club members at OYSIOF, Awe, Oyo.

Indeed, all work and no play, make Jack a dull boy. Hence, after being exposed to some agricultural practices, members of the Young Farmers Club also had a play time at the Bethy Amusement Park, Awe, Oyo.

Young Farmers Club members at Bethy Amusement Park.