The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening agricultural extension services as part of broader efforts to enhance food security, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
This was disclosed by the Acting Programme Manager of the Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP), Mrs. Abiola Sobukola, during a pre-season training for extension officers held in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta. The training, themed “Value Addition and Climate Change for Sustainable Agricultural Transformation,” was designed to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability across the state.
Sobukola explained that the initiative was aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of extension service delivery, noting that extension officers play a critical role in bridging the gap between government policies, research innovations and smallholder farmers.
“The training is part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to equip agricultural workers with the knowledge and tools required to drive sustainable agricultural development and ensure food security,” she said.
She further stressed that the performance of extension officers is closely linked to their working conditions, including mobility, access to tools and adequate incentives. According to her, improving these factors would not only boost productivity but also enhance morale and maximise the impact of government investments in the agricultural sector.
Describing the training as a strategic platform, Sobukola called for stronger support systems to address the low ratio of extension agents in the state, which she identified as a major challenge to effective service delivery. She also urged participants to actively engage during the sessions by sharing experiences, adopting new approaches and strengthening professional networks.
In her presentation, a facilitator and Head of Crops Component at OGADEP, Dr. Modupe Abidemi, highlighted the growing impact of climate change on agricultural production. She warned that shifting environmental conditions—such as rising temperatures, increased humidity and erratic rainfall—are significantly altering plant disease patterns, with potential consequences for food security.
“Environmental conditions remain the most powerful driver of plant disease outbreaks, as warmer temperatures and increased humidity create favourable conditions for pathogens to thrive,” she noted.
Participants at the training commended the initiative, describing it as insightful and timely. Representatives, including Ifeoluwa Odewole from Yewa North and Abiodun Temitope from Obafemi Owode, pledged to apply the knowledge gained and disseminate it among fellow agricultural workers.
The training concluded with a renewed call for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to build a more responsive and impactful agricultural extension system capable of supporting farmers and ensuring long-term food security in Ogun State.
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