FG CONSTRUCTS 100,000 METRIC TONNES SILO IN EKITI

The 100,000 Metric Tonnes Silo being constructed in Ekiti State by the federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will be ready for use by December, this year, Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Najeem Adewale Awodele has said.

Alhaji Awodele, who was on a courtesy visit to the State Governor, Engr. Segun Oni in his office today, expressed confidence that the December, 2010 target for the completion of the 100,000 Metric Tonnes Silo would be met.

He added that apart from Ekiti State, other adjoining States would benefit immensely from the project.

The minister, who noted that the government was no longer interested in just talking about its developmental plans for the agric sector said he was in the State have firsthand information on Agric projects being executed in the State, especially the 100,000 Metric Tonnes Silo.

Alhaji Awodele also disclosed that distribution of tractors, would be flagged in Ibadan, Oyo-State this week, assuring that Ekiti State would get its own allocation from the tractors immediately after the flag-off.

While describing Governor Oni as a replica of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the minister said that the governor had demonstrated in no small measures his passion for the development of the State.

He noted that Governor Oni has demonstrated that he does not wear the trademark Awo Cap just for the fun of it, adding that; “Awo cap that you wear depicts industry, honesty and commitment to service. All these virtues I have seen in you and I have no doubt in my mind that you are a true replica of the late sage, who we all adore,” the minister said.

Responding, Governor Oni, who urged the federal government to assist the State in urbanising its farm settlements, said the State Government will not rest on its oars in providing basic amenities like roads, electricity, water and others for the farm settlements.

He disclosed that the State government would soon open a Register of Output so as to be able to target farmers output, saying; “Ekiti has spent so much money on subsidies but it has not been able to get anywhere.

“Henceforth, we are going to be making subsidies in form of loans, seedlings and others available to genuine farmers based on their output.

“Therefore, all those who are farmers only by way of associations and cooperatives must be ready to go to the farm and do the real farming if they want to continue to benefit from government subsidies.

“We have had more than enough of agric on paper that we should now be asking what the farmers delivered last year.