Oyo lawmaker distributes over 5,000 bags of fertilizers to rural farmers
In alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the national push for food sufficiency, Hon. Remi Oseni, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency, has distributed 5,206 bags of fertilizers to rural farmers in his constituency.
The fertilizer distribution, which took place at his constituency office in Ibadan, is part of Oseni’s effort to address food security challenges by directly empowering local farmers. Hon. Oseni, who also chairs the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), emphasized that rural farmers remain critical in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, and their support is vital for the nation’s prosperity and food self-sufficiency.
“This initiative is part of fulfilling the Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting agricultural productivity, poverty alleviation, and local economic empowerment,” Oseni stated. He urged farmers not to sell the fertilizers but to apply them appropriately, as they have been trained to do.
Also present at the event was the traditional ruler of Ido land, Oba Gbolagade Babalola (Gbadewolu 1), who lauded the initiative as a meaningful intervention for rural development. He echoed the lawmaker’s appeal that the fertilizers be used productively.
A beneficiary, Mr. Oladipo Nurudeen, Chairman of the Nigeria Cassava Association in Ido Local Government, described the gesture as “timely and impactful,” acknowledging fertilizer as a key input needed to sustain crop yields and reduce production costs.
Source: Tribune Online
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
Hon. Remi Oseni’s fertilizer distribution program presents both immediate and long-term implications for stakeholders within the agri-food ecosystem in Oyo State and beyond.
- Strengthening Input Access for Smallholders
Access to affordable inputs—especially fertilizers—remains a key constraint for smallholder farmers. By directly supplying over 5,000 bags, the initiative reduces input gaps for farmers in Ido/Ibarapa East, enabling better crop yields, which in turn contributes to improved rural livelihoods. - Alignment with National Food Security Goals
This distribution supports the federal government’s strategic drive toward food security. Fertilizer application directly boosts productivity, which is essential for Nigeria’s ambition to reduce food imports and attain self-sufficiency in staple crops like cassava, maize, and rice. - Political Capital and Agribusiness Development
Programs like these, when well-coordinated with state and federal agriculture development plans, can serve as a bridge between political leadership and grassroots agribusiness advancement. However, sustainability is key—consistent access to inputs, beyond episodic distributions, is crucial. - Risk of Input Misuse
A notable concern is the potential diversion or resale of fertilizers. While the lawmaker cautioned against this, effective follow-up mechanisms and cooperative structures can ensure proper utilization. Agritech solutions (e.g., QR-coded distribution or traceable input vouchers) could enhance accountability. - Opportunity for Data-Driven Expansion
Mapping and monitoring the beneficiaries’ farmlands and yield outcomes post-distribution can provide vital data for evaluating the program’s impact and guiding future interventions. This presents an opportunity for collaboration with extension services, agtech startups, and research institutes.
Conclusion
While the initiative is commendable, agribusiness stakeholders—including private sector partners, policymakers, and development actors—should consider how to integrate such interventions into broader, long-term value chain strategies. Fertilizer support should be coupled with agronomic training, market access programs, and digital tools to ensure sustainable impacts.
