The Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) has officially commenced 2024 Greens Exhibition at Ile Akede exhibition ground, Bashorun, Ibadan.
Through the week-long exhibition, BCOS aims to provide fresh farm produce at affordable prices, promote food security, and encourage the public to consider agribusiness amid rising inflation and food costs.
The 2024 BCOS Greens exhibition is encouraging farmers from across Oyo State and beyond to showcase a variety of produce, from arable crops to livestock, offering these goods to consumers at reduced prices.
Declaring the Greens Exhibition open, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his dedication to supporting farmers through the provision of fertilizers, improved seeds, and impactful agricultural policies aimed at boosting productivity and enhancing food security across the state.
While maintaining that the government has assisted poultry farmers with 1.2kg of fish feeds and 5,000 cassava sticks, he noted that the current administration has introduced fifty percent Tractorisation Subsidy, which has assisted in ploughing of over 6 acres of land across the state.
He added that the engagement of 480 Forest Rangers would put an end to the reported attacks of the suspected herders.
He further praised the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) for initiating the platform, which would not only enable farmers and exhibitors to showcase their products but also strengthen the connection between producers and the public.
Earlier in her welcome address, BCOS Chairman Mrs. Dotun Olaitan, emphasized that the exhibition is an opportunity for the public to access fresh produce at lower prices and to encourage interest in agriculture amid rising inflation and food costs.
In their respective goodwill messages, the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Peter Ojedokun, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Establishment, Hon. Musibau Azeez, reiterated that the state government inaugurated 480 Amotekun forest rangers as part of its efforts to enhance security and safeguard farmers in the state.
Some of the exhibitors expressed their appreciation to the BCOS for the opportunity to reach a broader audience.
The event also had in attendance BCOS General Manager Mr Goke Adelakun, Chairman of the 2024 BCOS Greens Exhibition Mr Ademola Adeniyi, members of the exhibition committee, Cultural Ambassador to the National Museum of Unity, Alhaja Romoke Ayinde, top government functionaries, Baale Agbe in Councils, among others.
The BCOS Greens Exhibition which would run throughout the week would also educate visitors on sustainable agricultural practices and the economic benefits of farming.
Highlight of the event included tour of the exhibition stands and cutting of the 2024 BCOS Greens Exhibition cake.
