By Yinusa Ishola
Omu-Aran (Kwara) – A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), “Adewale Adeniyi Foundation,’’ on Thursday said it had empowered 100 farmers in Iludun-Oro in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.
Mr Debo Abogunrin, the foundation’s Secretary, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran.
Abogunrin said the empowerment scheme tagged: “Make Farmers Rich’’ was in support of the Federal Government’s efforts to diversify the nation’s economy to make it agriculture-based.
He said that the scheme was also in support of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals initiative to end hunger and ensure food security.
He said the foundation’s objective was devoted to economic transformation through perspective change, capacity building, knowledge and financial empowerment.
The secretary also said that the scheme was aimed at upgrading subsistence farming into commercial farming.
“The scheme that was created to essentially target local farmers in Nigeria has so far engaged over 100 farmers in Iludun-Oro.
“At the moment about 100 of such farmers are being empowered in different aspects of farming system and settlements.
“Our intention is to upgrade their farming standard and ensure food security in Nigeria,” he said.
Abogunrin disclosed that the foundation was currently working with the African Development Bank (ADB) and other financial institutions in providing sufficient funds needed by the farmers.
“Iludun-Oro which is the current location of the farmers has large natural reserves that contribute to the economy of Kwara through farming,’’ he said.