The Convener of Ògo Àkúré Mandate Group, Comr. Ayodeji DF. Oluleye, has reaffirmed his commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening agricultural development in Ondo State.
Oluleye made this known during the First Bank Agric & Export Expo held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, where he had a high-level engagement with the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu.
Speaking at the sideline of the event, Oluleye highlighted the crucial role of agriculture in national development, stressing that farmers in Àkúré and across Ondo State must be supported with access to finance, modern pest management solutions, food safety standards, and sustainable practices that will boost productivity and ensure food security.
He also briefed Mr. Alebiosu on the successes of the Global Pest Management Conference 2025 hosted in Lagos, and unveiled plans for the 2026 edition, which will place greater focus on agriculture, food safety, appropriate pesticide use, and post-harvest storage solutions to empower farmers and safeguard public health.
Oluleye commended First Bank for its long-standing contribution to agricultural financing and expressed optimism that deeper collaborations with stakeholders like First Bank would bring tangible benefits to farmers in Àkúré and beyond.
“We must prioritise agriculture and food security if we are to build a prosperous and healthy nation. Ondo State, with its fertile land and resilient farmers, must not be left behind. That is why Ògo Àkúré Mandate Group is engaging stakeholders like First Bank to ensure our farmers have the tools, knowledge, and resources to thrive,” Oluleye stated.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Governors of Lagos and Niger States, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, and major players across Nigeria’s agro-allied sector.
Signed:
Media Office,
Ògo Àkúré Mandate Group
