As part of the Lagos COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme (Lagos-CARES), a total of 1,531 processing and producing farmers have received diverse farm assets. The distribution took place at the Lagos Farm Service Centre in Agege on Tuesday. Mr Jonathan Obayemi, the State Project Coordinator for FADAMA, announced that the assets would be allocated to both individuals and farmers’ groups.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Federal Government, 66 State Governments, and the World Bank, aimed at mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the removal of fuel subsidies.
Obayemi highlighted the ongoing commitment to empower farmers, stating, “Today, what we are doing is just the continuation of our disbursement to beneficiaries under the Lagos CARES programme through Lagos State FADAMA coordination office, under the Ministry of Agriculture.”
He further detailed the comprehensive support offered through the Lagos CARES programme, explaining, “Today, we are disbursing to over 1,531 beneficiaries and this will bring the total number of beneficiaries so far to 10,000 farmers with productive and processing assets under the Lagos-CARES programme.”
Under the framework of the Lagos CARES programme, which encompasses 13,943 beneficiaries from 37 Local Government and 57 Local Council Development Areas, participants will receive input support and agricultural infrastructure improvements.
Obayemi expressed confidence in the program’s success, mentioning, “We have a target of about 13,943 individuals to be directly supported. So far, we have been able to reach about 10,000 beneficiaries directly.”
The distributed assets include various equipment such as balley cages, water tanks, fish tanks, water pumps, submersible and surface pumps, water hoses, motorised sprayers, gas burners, gas cylinders, smoking kilns, deep freezers, and generators.
Acknowledging the challenging times faced by the country, Obayemi urged beneficiaries to use the assets wisely to boost food production and improve livelihoods after COVID-19, as well as to counterbalance the effects of fuel subsidy removal. He called on group leaders to ensure a fair distribution of assets among members.
In response to the support provided by the Lagos State Government, beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the lifeline offered during a difficult period. Mr Tai Benedict, Chairman of the Bosere Farm Group in Epe, commended the government for the initiative and requested further support to enhance food production. Mrs Afusat Suleimon, Chairwoman of the Alubarikaloju Fish Processing Group in Eputu, Ibeju-Lekki, described the government’s assistance as lifesaving and emphasised its potential to improve their businesses.
With these efforts, the Lagos-CARES programme is not only bolstering local food production but also sustaining the livelihoods of farmers, ultimately contributing to the state’s economic recovery and resilience.
