*Ekiti Varsity VC Felicitates Monarch On Appointment
By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Oyo State government has approved additional funds for disbursement under its single-digit administrative charges of agricultural loan schemes.
According to a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Friday, August 1, the Chairman, Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State (ACCOS), Sheikh Taofeek Akeugbagold, disclosed this in an interactive session with a group of farmers at the corporation’s headquarters in Ibadan,the state capital.
He said the additional loan was part of continued efforts to empower farmers, promote food security, and boost agricultural productivity across the state.
According to Sheikh Akeugbagold, the decision was to ensure that farmers had access to affordable financing to support crop cultivation, livestock production, agro-processing, and other agricultural ventures.
“The Oyo State government, through ACCOS, is providing more opportunities for farmers to access its agricultural loan and expand their operations.
“This will contribute meaningfully to the state’s food system,” he said.
He explained that the scheme targeted both existing beneficiaries and new applicants who met the eligibility requirements.
Akeugbagold also emphasised that the government was determined to reach grassroots farmers in all 33 local government areas of the state.
While encouraging farmers to take full advantage of the new window of opportunity, Sheikh Akeugbagold reminded beneficiaries of the first phase of the scheme to fulfill their repayment obligations without delay.
“Loan repayment is essential to keeping this initiative alive. Those who repay will remain eligible for future financial support, while defaulting may limit access and affect others waiting to benefit,” he warned.
“The Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State was established to offer financial support to farmers at a single-digit administrative rate, in a bid to increase food production, reduce rural poverty, and create employment.
“The corporation has, so far, empowered thousands of farmers under the Seyi Makinde-led administration, leading to improved yields and increased farm investments across the state,” he added.
Sheikh Akeugbagold reaffirmed that the corporation remained committed to a transparent and inclusive loan disbursement process, devoid of political or sectional bias.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Mr. Adeboje Samson, from Atisbo, expressed appreciation to Gov. Makinde for the various supports extended to farmers in the state.
He noted that the agricultural loan and other inputs he received significantly boosted his farm productivity and helped sustain his family.
Mr. Samson also encouraged other beneficiaries of the scheme to ensure timely repayment of the loans, emphasising that prompt repayment would enable them access more funding opportunities and further expand their farming operations.
Meanwhile,in another development in Nigeria’s South-West, the Vice Chancellor (VC) of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has felicitated His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu Alagbado, Agirilala II, the Ogoga of Ikere kingdom, on his appointment as the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Obas.
The VC described the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of the monarch’s attributes of quality leadership, wisdom and commitment to the peace and unity of Ekiti State.
The VC enthused: “Your Majesty, your emergence as Chairman, is a testament to the respect and trust you have earned over the years. You have continued to exemplify the true essence of royal fatherhood as a symbol of peace and unity.”
In a statement by Deputy Registrar/Head, Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun, today too, the VC expressed his confidence that the Ogoga’s tenure would foster greater cohesion, understanding and development among traditional rulers in the state.
He also thanked the State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for the confidence reposed in the Ogoga of Ikere kingdom.
Professor Ayodele, on behalf of the university’s Governing Council, management and Senate, extended his “warmest felicitations” and prayed that the Ogoga’s reign as Chairman of the Council would bring more progress, harmony, and prosperity to Ekiti State.
