NAN-AE-7
Songhai
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, April 26, 2017 (NAN) Gov. Abiola Ajimobi says the citizens of Oyo State will begin to see the results of the replication of Songhai farming model in the state within nine months.
He said this on Wednesday in Ibadan while receiving a delegation from Songhai Farms in Benin Republic, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Godfrey Nzamujo.
‘‘I have no doubt in my mind that our efforts in replicating Songhai farming model in the state as a long-lasting legacy would begin to yield results in nine months,’’ he said.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor once visited the Songhai Farms in Port Novo, Benin Republic, to understudy the farms, with the aim of establishing a partnership to replicate its farming model in the state.
Ajimobi said that the agricultural sector of the state would soon experience a complete turnaround, following the new partnership with Songhai Farms.
He said that the state government had decided to begin the implementation of the farming genre in one of its farmlands, with a view to expanding it to cover other farm settlements across the state.
He conveyed the resolve of his administration to take due advantage of all the areas where the state has a comparative advantage, citing agriculture as one of the areas.
‘‘Our state is well-positioned to become the food basket of Nigeria. Our state is the largest state in the southern part of the country and it has a good climate.
‘‘If you are talking about an integrated, well-managed farm model; it is Songhai Farms.
‘‘I am confident that any country that replicates the farming model will be among the topmost in the comity of nations; as Songhai has several multiplier effects,’’ he said.
Earlier, Nzamujo said that his visit to the state was induced by the vision and aspiration which the governor exhibited during his visit to the Songhai Farms in Port Novo.
‘‘Your Excellency, we are here because you inspired us when you came to Port Novo; we are really impressed about your vision and determination to leave a lasting legacy in Oyo State.
“‘It is that inspiration that brought us down to the state and I am here with two of my leading assistants to help with the vision of replicating the farms here.
“I am sure that your vision will be fulfilled because we will give it all the necessary pushes,’’ he said.
He also said that the replication of Songhai farming model in the state would begin to yield results in nine months.
NAN reports that Songh Integrated Farms is an agricultural concept, which involves comprehensive agricultural production — from crop growing to processing and marketing as well as training.
It is also a research centre for agricultural skills acquisition for those who want to engage in farming.
Songhai Farms carry out animal production and husbandry as well as crop cultivation and manufacture of several food products. (NAN)
TAA/MOL/OOK
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi and Dayo Komolafe