Ogun State Government in collaboration with West African Virus and Epidemiology (WAVE) organised a training for extension agents and farmers on the prevention of cassava diseases, as part of moves to ensure food nutrition and security,
The training which took place at the Baptist Girls’ Grammar School, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta was set up to sensitise and train 1000 stakeholders in the cassava sector on how to prevent and mitigate the spread of a new strain of virus known as the cassava brown streak disease, although not yet in West Africa but already rampaging East and Central Africa.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina noted that the government was particularly committed to preventing any disease that could reduce yield and threaten food security in both the State and the Country at large.
According to him, Ogun State has the most qualified extension agents and has an adequate number of officers covering all Local Government Areas of the State
He says farmers’ interests are well protected as regards prevention of this destructive virus that could drastically reduce cassava yields.
"As one of the leading producers of cassava in Nigeria, we would ensure that farmers get adequate and up-to-date information, as well as effective advisory services and requisite knowledge on prevention and how to combat the viral disease if it eventually shows up in our country," Odedina added.
The Country Director of WAVE, Dr. Angela Eni, while giving an overview, explained that the agency was saddled with the responsibility of establishing an effective disease monitoring system and making updated epidemiology data widely accessible.
She said the training was organised to ensure all stakeholders in the cassava sector such as the extension agents, cassava growers and producers are aware and adequately prepared, as well as know their roles in the preparedness plan for the brown streak virus.
She added that the agency realises its monitoring activities are insufficient, thereby calling on the participants to get on board to facilitate optimal monitoring and surveillance for quick response to disease reports and continuously educating farmers on good agronomic practices.
In another development, the State Commissioner for Agriculture was a working visit to Olunishola Cattle market, Isheri- Kara where he commended the leadership of the market for keeping the peace and security of the market as well as their pro-activeness in ensuring that animals from their abattoir meet health standards set by the government.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Dotun Shorunke, said Oluwanishola cattle market in its over 30 years of existence has never been known for any eventuality or hazard to public health.
He was full of praises for the farmers for making good use of the Ministry's advice, hubby ge on measures to combat the challenge of flooding, with the construction of the well-floored slaughter slab as well as drainages.
He enjoined them to continuously comply with government stipulations and fulfill all their obligations, pledging that government support would be extended to them in due course.
Responding, the Deputy President of the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Prince Olusegun Dasaolu, applauded the leaders of the market for ensuring the meat slaughtered in the market is safe for people's consumption while appealing to the government to come to the aid of the market towards the completion of the ongoing construction of the new slaughter slab.
The Onido of Ido, Oba Muritala Gbolagade Babalola, appreciated the government for their support over the years, saying they would continue to do their part by paying their revenues.
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