The Ogun State government says it is embarking on massive production of rice with the aim of selling at affordable price to its residents by the end of the year. The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun, who disclosed this in Abeokuta, the state capital, said acres of land were being prepared for massive planting of the rice by farmers.
She spoke at a press conference organised by the state Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) for the eighth Gateway Trade Fair 2017, scheduled to hold between Wednesday, May 17 and Friday, May 26, 2017 at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Abeokuta.
The commissioner, represented by Mr. Adetunji Kanimodo, disclosed that agriculture was being given top priority to boost industrialisation in the state. President of OGUNCCIMA, Mrs. Oluyinka Adebutu, stressed the need for agriculture to be fully explored by government at all levels to sustain the country “since petroleum is no longer booming.”
In another development, Katsina State government yesterday warned that it would henceforth prosecute anyone found to be indiscriminately felling trees. It specifically warned those living around the Rugu Forest to desist from illegally felling the trees.
Speaking yesterday, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mustapha Inuwa, said information showed that some people were in the habit of felling trees without obtaining the necessary permission.
He said a task force had been set up to ensure compliance and that anyone caught felling trees without the necessary permission, would have himself to blame.
Source: Guardian
