Obasanjo Urges Gov Abiodun to Support Owu Community’s Agricultural Initiative

Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has called on Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to support the agribusiness cooperative farming initiative established by the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola.

Obasanjo made the appeal during the 2024 Odun Omo Olowu festival held at Ori-Omi, Abeokuta, on Saturday.

The agribusiness cooperative farming, launched under the Olowu Hope Initiative, aims to establish an agricultural estate in Awowo where residents, especially indigenes of Owu, can engage in various farming activities such as poultry, pig farming, fisheries, and vegetable cultivation.

The initiative is designed to boost agricultural productivity, create jobs for the youth, and reduce hunger and poverty in the community.

“There is hunger in the country. If we don’t help ourselves, it will be difficult,” Obasanjo said, stressing the need for collective efforts to address the current economic challenges.

“This initiative by Oba Saka is aimed at developing the Owu community so that we don’t die of hunger. Governor, please help us—whether through farming or small businesses, these are part of the projects Oba Saka has laid down for the Owu community.”

In response, Governor Abiodun pledged his administration’s support for the project, acknowledging the importance of such initiatives in fostering economic growth.

“I want to thank Baba Obasanjo for various initiatives at different times. This agricultural cooperative is indeed a welcome development, and my administration will fully support it,” the governor said.

Abiodun assured that the Owu community would benefit from the state’s ongoing efforts to promote agricultural development, adding that the project aligns with his government’s focus on empowering communities through sustainable farming practices.

Earlier, the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, expressed gratitude to Obasanjo, the governor, and the people of the state for their support, emphasizing the importance of the initiative in transforming the lives of the Owu indigenes.