Ooni warns on consequence of neglect of agriculture

Tunde Oyekola, Osogbo - 30.05.2008

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, has warned the Federal Government against neglect of agriculture, saying the nation may be doomed if it could not feed its population.

Oba Sijuwade gave the warning on Wednesday at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, while speaking at the launch of a book, “Agricultural Extension: A Comprehensive Treatise,” co-autored by two lecturers, Professor Oluyemisi Akinyemiju and Dr. Olutade Torimiro.

The monarch, who said adequate attention should be paid to agriculture to meet the increasing food production, added that “if care is not taken and we neglect agriculture, we may be spending forty to fifty per cent of our budget on importation of food annually.”

Oba Sijuwade, who was represented at the book presentation by five traditional rulers; the Olujudo of Ido-Osun, Olufi of Gbongan, Olumoro of Moro, Salu of Edun-Abon and Alagberi of Iragberi said the government should encourage the farmers to practice modern system of agriculture by making them to know and plant improved varieties of crops through the extension services.

According to the monarch, this is the reason why a book on extension services which would serve as a budget between the farmers and the research institutes was highly appreciated.

Oba Sijuwade, whose address was delivered by the Olojudo of Ido-Osun, Oba Aderemi Adedapo Sapoyoro I, bought a copy of the book for N100,000.

Also speaking at the book presentation, a member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Albert Adeogun, noted that the country should encourage everybody who had an impact on food production.