Hundreds of farmers across Idanre and Ifedore Local Government Areas of Ondo State have benefited from the distribution of agricultural materials facilitated by the member representing Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Festus Akingbaso.
The initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, was designed to support farmers with essential inputs and equipment aimed at increasing agricultural output and improving food security in the constituency.
The intervention coincided with Akingbaso’s third anniversary in office, with beneficiaries and stakeholders describing the gesture as another demonstration of his commitment to improving the welfare of his constituents.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, the project contractor commended the lawmaker for attracting the programme to the constituency. He disclosed that the items distributed represented 30 per cent of the project allocation for 2025, assuring beneficiaries that the remaining 70 per cent would be delivered subsequently.
According to him, the intervention would ease the burden on farmers struggling with the high cost of agricultural inputs while boosting productivity and supporting economic activities within the constituency.
“The materials provided will help farmers reduce production costs and improve their yields. This will ultimately contribute to food security and economic growth in the area,” he said.
Stakeholders at the event also lauded the initiative, describing it as a timely response to the challenges confronting local farmers. They noted that Akingbaso had consistently supported agricultural development through similar interventions since assuming office.
One of the beneficiaries, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed appreciation to the lawmaker, saying the support came at a crucial time when the rising prices of farming materials had made agricultural activities more difficult.
The farmer said the intervention had relieved beneficiaries of significant financial pressure, noting that many would have struggled to purchase the materials on their own.
He described Akingbaso as a representative whose programmes had positively impacted farmers and rural communities, adding that his contributions to the agricultural sector had continued to yield tangible benefits.
The distribution programme is the latest in a series of constituency projects facilitated by the lawmaker as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural production, empower rural dwellers and promote sustainable economic development across Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency.