South West States Mull Farmer’s Mart To Tackle Food Insecurity

As part of measures to tackle the problem of food insecurity, South – West states have said they are considering establishing a farmer’s market, where farm produce will be sold at cheaper prices to the people.

The Region’s president of the Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Chief Wole Akinwande, revealed this on Monday at a press conference in Ibadan, Oyo state.

Akinwande said this year’s trade fair, themed “Harnessing Food Security Systems and Natural Resources for Sustainable Development and Wealth Creation,” will reactivate the trade fair, which was last held in 2014 and previously held in 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010.

While emphasising the need to support local farmers and promote agricultural development in Oyo State and its environs, he hinted that the farmer’s market will empower farmers economically by allowing them to sell their farm produce at affordable prices.

Therefore, Akinwande appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for extending the redemption of trade fairs in Oyo State to other southwest states, which he described as additional efforts to expand the economy, showcase potential, and attract global investors into the region.

Speaking, the commissioner for trade, industry, investment, and cooperatives, Adeniyi Adebisi, expressed the Oyo State Government’s readiness to ensure the trade fair’s success and leverage it in preparation for the 2025 Oyo State International Trade Fair.

The commissioner, represented by the director of trade, Mrs Modupe Adesina, assured participants that security personnel have been reinforced to guarantee adequate security and called on media professionals to sensitise people more.