OGUN STEPS UP CULTURAL PRESERVATION WITH QUIZ, ESSAY COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS

 OGUN STEPS UP CULTURAL PRESERVATION WITH QUIZ, ESSAY COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS

The disposition to promote, preserve and sustain culture and traditions by Ogun State Government, has once again been demonstrated with the introduction of its maiden edition of the Cultural Quiz and Essay Competition for Secondary Schools across all 4 Divisions of the State by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Speaking at the closing ceremony at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, stated that the initiative was designed to ensure that the rich and fascinating cultural traditions of the State do not go into extinction.

He noted that the competition-served as a platform for younger generations to spread cultural awareness, become cultural ambassadors and practice them beyond the event.

Fagbayi, explained that the competition would instill a sense of pride and encourage continuous learning about cultural practices, ensuring the tradition is not forgotten and was passed on to future generations.

Also, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Qudus Yusuff, said that the competition would help to discover, nurture and showcase the artistic potential of young students in Ogun State.

He commended the students for their unrelenting efforts demonstrated during the competition, while assuring them that winners would be representing the State in national cultural competitions.

In her welcome address, Director of Planning Research and Statistics in the Ministry, Mrs. Olubukola Samuels, said that the cultural competition was designed to reinforce identity, promote traditional values and inspire pride in the State’s rich heritage, adding that the initiative would encourage students to engage deeply with the customs, beliefs and practices that define their community.

Two participants from Kobape Community High school, Oluseye Anuoluwapo and Adesina Oluwafunmilayo, won the 1st and 2nd position respectively, goes to the 1st position of the Essay Writing competition was clinched by a student from Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, named Oyekoya Temitayo.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards to the winning schools and students, thus, marking a significant milestone in the State's ongoing cultural renaissance.

 

Kofoworola Idowu,

Information and Public Relations Officer, Min. of Culture and Tourism

 

SAPZ/OGSG/IFAD FLAGS OFF SENSITISATION FOR CASSAVA, RICE VALUE CHAIN ACTORS

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the agricultural sector through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, made this known during the official flag-off and sensitisation programme for cassava and rice value chain actors at Yewa South Local Government Area, Ilaro.

Represented by the Acting State Project Coordinator of SAPZ, Ibrahim Busi, the Commissioner stated that the programme was aimed at empowering smallholder farmers, improving access to agricultural inputs and encouraging greater participation of youths and women in agriculture to boost food production and improve livelihoods.

According to him, Ogun State remained one of Nigeria's leading agricultural States due to its fertile land, rich natural resources and strategic location, noting that the SAPZ Programme would further strengthen agricultural value chains, increase productivity, create employment opportunities and contribute significantly to food security and economic growth.

Hon. Owotomo, disclosed that the initiative was expected to impact over 100,000 beneficiaries and indirectly benefit more than 500,000 people through various agricultural interventions and value chain development activities, urged youths across the State to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the programme by registering and actively participating.

He further explained that the first phase of the programme was focused on cassava and rice production across 9 Local Government Areas including; Ijebu East, Ijebu North, Odogbolu, Ikenne, Obafemi-Owode, Odeda, Yewa North, Yewa South, and Imeko-Afon, while other LGAs, would be incorporated in subsequent phases.

In his welcome address, the Acting State Project Coordinator, Ibrahim Busi, outlined the four major components of the SAPZ Programme which included, Infrastructure Development and Management of Agro-Industrial Hubs; Agricultural Productivity, Production and Market Linkages within SAPZ Catchment Areas; Policy and Institutional Development Support and Programme Coordination and Management.

He emphasised the importance of registration by farmers within the designated catchment areas, stressing that women and youths would benefit immensely from the programme's interventions and support services.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Ogunsola, represented by the Supervisor for Agriculture, Mrs. Adenike Olayode, commended the Federal and Ogun State Governments, as well as IFAD, for bringing the initiative closer to farmers and creating opportunities for increased agricultural productivity and economic empowerment.

The sensitisation programme took place at the newly included local governments, namely, Ikenne, Yewa-South, Ijebu East and Odeda.

 The exercise formed part of a broader effort to ensure that farmers, agribusiness operators, youths and women were adequately informed about the objectives, benefits and opportunities available under the SAPZ Programme.

The initiative is expected to drive agricultural transformation, enhance value addition, create sustainable jobs and strengthen food security across Ogun State.