Other

Oyo State Govt Commits To Mechanized Farming, Trains Youths On Tractor Driving, Operation

AnyFans 2025-10-11

By Kazeem Awojoodu

Entertainment

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Entertainment

Home Latest NewsOyo State Govt Commits To Mechanized Farming, Trains Youths On Tractor Driving, Operation

Latest News

Oyo State Govt Commits To Mechanized Farming, Trains Youths On Tractor Driving, Operation

by Kazeem Awojoodu

September 23, 2025

written byKazeem Awojoodu

September 23, 2025

0FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

IBADAN – The Oyo State government on Monday commenced a four -day training on tractor driving and operation for selected youth across the 33 local governments in Oyo State.

The training programme organized by the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery ( SAfER) held simultaneously across three strategic zones of state namely Oke-Ogun( Ogbomoso and Ibadan – Ibarapa zones of the state

Declaring the event open at the Ido local government Secretariat hall, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development , Barrister Olasunkami Olaleye noted that the aim of the program is to equip beneficiaries with the critical skills in tractor operations and driving to replace the aging tractor workforce in the state

According to Olaleye, 50 participants in Oke-Ogun zone and 45 each in Ogbomoso and Ibadan/ Ibarapa zones are to undergo the training program

He explained further that the training will not only entails driving and operation, but also how to couple the tractor implements

The Commissioner also disclosed that more than 30, 000 acres has been done under the 50 percent tractorization program out of the 120 acres mandated by the state government for the program

“This programme represents far more than a skills acquisition initiative; it embodies the current administration’s strategic vision for comprehensive youth empowerment and agricultural modernization.

“Through this carefully designed training, we are creating sustainable pathways to meaningful employment. economic independence, and significantly reducing youth unemployment in both our rural and urban communities.

“The comprehensive objectives of this training programme are strategically aligned with our state’s development priorities: introducing participants to the essential principles and practices of mechanized farming operations, equipping participants with practical expertise in safe, efficient, and productive tractor driving techniques. creating immediate and long-term employment opportunities while engaging our youth in productive agricultural roles, and building comprehensive awareness of safety protocols, preventive maintenance procedures, and professional tractor servicing standards.

“Through this intensive training programme, our young participants will acquire the critical skills necessary to replace our aging workforce of tractor operators, ensuring seamless continuity in tillage operations across the state.

“This initiative directly strengthens our ambitious tractorization programme. enhances and preparation efficiency, and significantly increases agricultural productivity throughout Oyo State.

The Commissioner stated that outstanding participants will have opportunities for further apprenticeship with members of the Tractor Owners Association and established tractor hiring companies beyond the four – days training program

He said the program will help create direct pathways to employment and professional development in the agricultural mechanization sector.

“This programme’s strategic importance encompasses much more than individual skill development. By systematically addressing the gap in skilled tractor operators, we are laying the foundation for sustainable mechanized farming practices, guaranteeing food security for our people, and positioning Oyo State as an undisputed leader in modern agricultural innovation and excellence.

Earlier in his welcome address, the permanent secretary of the ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Abokede Owoeye said the programme is a reflection of the administration’s commitment to empowering young people and building the foundation for a secure agricultural future.

She urged the participants to take full advantage of the opportunity with the seriousness it deserves

“This training will provide you with essential skills in tractor operations, safety practices, daily and weekly maintenance, as well as servicing procedures. These skills will enhance your employability and position you as active contributors to agricultural transformation in Oyo State.” She said

Some of the beneficiaries, Idowu Babatunde , Ogunbowale Timileyin and Adeleke Oluwaferanmi a female from Ibarapa espressed appreciation to the government stating that the program will address youth unemployment in the state

The highpoint of the event is the symbolic presentation of safety kits to some of the participants as part of the State government commitment to world class safety standards.

In attendance at the event are the Chairman, Ido local government, Hon Sheriff Adeojo represented by the Council’s Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture, Hon Saka Badiru, Chairman, Tractor Operators and Owners Association of Nigeria in Ido Local Government, Mr Adisa Akeem and other government other government officials from the State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.