News in Brief:
– Farmers in Akufo farm settlement of Oyo state protested the alleged government takeover of their land for housing development.
– They cite food security concerns and the historical significance of the agricultural land.
The Akufo farm settlement farmers association in Oyo State, Nigeria, has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene in the alleged takeover of their land by estate agents and developers.
They staged a peaceful protest at the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) headquarters, accusing the government of failing to respond to their concerns.
Also, the protesters told the press that the land designated for farming is crucial for food security in the state, especially given the current food insecurity challenges in Nigeria. They stressed the importance of the settlement, highlighting its contributions. These include the daily production of over 20,000 crates of eggs produced daily, and the production of palm oil and livestock, including birds for meat and egg.
Some farmers stressed that prioritising housing estates over established, productive farmland jeopardises food security efforts.
Meantime, the association president, Adesola Oludare, lamented the lack of communication from the government regarding the alleged land use change. He pointed out the existence of vacant housing estates as evidence of alternative land for development.
Another point of contention raised by the farmers was the historical significance of the land. They credited Chief Obafemi Awolowo with initiating the Akufo Farm Settlement project.
Furthermore, the Cattle Farmers Association chairman, Mr. Fabayo Rasaki, highlighted the sudden halt in rent collection from farmers, suggesting a lack of transparency on the government’s part.
However, when contacted, the Oyo state governor’s special adviser on agribusiness, Mr. Olasunkanmi Adebowale Akande, denied any government involvement in converting the farm settlement into a housing estate. He redirected focus to the issue of illegal constructions already happening on the land.
