First Lady of the State of Osun, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola has inaugurated the second phase of the Women in Agriculture Scheme in the state.

The initiative, according to the first lady, is aimed at empowering Osun women in agriculture and providing means of livelihood for them.

Speaking at the inauguration event held on Tuesday, Mrs Oyetola stated that there was no better time to invest in agriculture than now, describing the sector as the main pillar for the sustenance of humanity.

She said, “I am happy we can reach out again to our women who engage in agriculture with the vital supports that they need. The ceremony today is the second phase of the IleriOluwa Development Initiative Agricultural Program scheme.

“The programme was designed to assist low-income female farmers periodically with necessary inputs that will enhance their productivity in the farms, increase their yields and ensure food security for their families.

“The agricultural sector has always been the main pillar for the sustenance of humanity. Here in Nigeria, the current food situation has made this more of a need for us. The prices of foodstuffs in our markets demand that we produce more food for our people.

“The situation has underscored the fact that there is no time better than now to return to the land. We must guarantee food security for our people.”

Mrs Oyetola further solicited the prayers of the people over insecurity issues banging on the doors of states and the country at large, noting its hazardous effects on farming.

She further encouraged the people to be security conscious in various communities, stressing that everyone must be active participants in the activities of their respective communities.

The second phase of the scheme is an expansion of the first. The second phase kicked off with the inclusion of vegetables, cassava stems, cashew plants, cocoa, chicks, and poultry feeds, while retaining the training module used in the first phase.

The first lady further lauded the efforts of the partners of the initiative and the Osun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Adedayo Adewole, for their relentless support.