Osun@28: Industrialist, Owolabi Urges Govt To Invest More On Agriculture

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

An Osun based Industrialist, Alhaji Gazali Owolabi, has advised the Osun State Government to invest more in agriculture so as to create employment opportunities for its citizens

Owolabi, who is the Chief Executive Officer, Kasmo Nigeria Limited, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen, on Tuesday in Osogbo, the capital of the state.

Owolabi said if the government invested more resources in the development of agriculture, it would not only create employment but it would also promote food sufficiency and boost the state’s revenue profile.

Owolabi bemoaned the level of unemployment in the country, describing the situation as alarming.

He further explained that problem of unemployment has forced many graduates to become cyber fraudsters, saying there was the need for the government to create job opportunities through agriculture.

He however, commended the federal government for its intervention through the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), just as he called for proper monitoring of the loan giving out to farmers to ensure proper usage and eschew being diverted.

Owolabi who said , he has ventured into cow rearing business and rice farming apart from industrial work said “Agriculture could create more than a million jobs with tangible investments. Any state or nation that is not investing in agriculture now is certainly not ready to create employment.

He appealed to the Federal Government to increase its funding on agriculture, especially for women and youth farmers to increase their yields.

“Agriculture is the way to go now since the country is looking for other options aside oil. We need to increase finance in agriculture.

“Although the Federal Government is trying but still need to put more effort and ensure proper monitoring of fund released to the farmers, he said.

He further urged government at all levels to do their parts by increasing public financing on agriculture across all areas with comparative advantages.

“Government needs to increase the amount put yearly in agriculture by up to 10 per cent. Extension services needs to be funded to assist farmers on the best practices.

Owolabi also urged Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun not to allow members of his administration to politicise the issue of agriculture in the state as this could be counterproductive to his development plans for the state.

He urged the state government to particularly encourage smallholder farmers, as part of its efforts to boost agricultural production in the state.

Speaking on the 28th anniversary of the creation of Osun, Owolabi commended the immediate past governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for creating a platform through which the menace of unemployment is being eliminated.

According to him, there has been a steady development in Osun state since its creation, the state has been witnessing tremendous development in Osun, especially in Osogbo. Before there was a stagnant in the development of the state but we give thank to God for this rapid development in the recent time.