In a major boost to agricultural development and youth empowerment in Oke-Ogun, the Majority Leader of the Saki West Legislative Council, Hon. Salaudeen Kabeer Adebayo, has successfully partnered with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to empower more than 300 participants with improved maize seedlings.
The empowerment programme, which held today at the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Hall, Saki, attracted farmers, youths, women, agricultural enthusiasts, and community stakeholders from different parts of Saki and its surrounding communities.
The initiative forms part of Hon. Salaudeen’s ongoing commitment to promoting food security, youth empowerment, and sustainable agriculture through strategic collaborations with reputable agricultural institutions.
Speaking during the programme, Hon. Salaudeen Kabeer described agriculture as the future of economic prosperity and job creation, especially for young people. He stressed the need for modern farming practices and access to improved seedlings capable of increasing productivity and improving farmers’ income.
According to him, the partnership with IITA was aimed at ensuring that local farmers and youths are not left behind in the ongoing agricultural transformation across Nigeria.
“This programme is beyond empowerment; it is about creating opportunities, fighting poverty, and encouraging our youths to embrace agriculture as a profitable venture. With these improved maize seedlings, beneficiaries can achieve better yield and contribute meaningfully to food production,” he said.
Representatives from IITA, Ms. Veronica commended Hon. Salaudeen for his passion for grassroots development and his consistent investment in agricultural empowerment initiatives. They noted that the improved maize varieties distributed to beneficiaries are high-yield and climate-resilient, making them suitable for increased productivity.
The event also featured agricultural sensitisation sessions where participants were educated on proper planting techniques, farm management practices, and the economic potential of maize farming.
Many of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to Hon. Salaudeen and IITA for the initiative, describing the programme as timely and impactful amid rising economic challenges and food insecurity.
Observers at the event noted that Hon. Salaudeen Kabeer has continued to distinguish himself through practical empowerment programmes and people-oriented initiatives. Earlier agricultural interventions facilitated through his platform, Hope Never Dies (HND), had empowered youths in cassava farming, fish farming, beekeeping, yam cultivation, and other agribusiness ventures.
The successful outing at the NUT Hall further reinforces his growing reputation as one of the leading advocates for youth-driven agricultural development in Saki and Oyo State at large.
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