By Faridat Salifu
Ogun State may establish a Commodity and Exchange Commission to buy agricultural produce directly from farmers, as part of plans by the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship hopeful, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), to boost productivity and incomes.
Adeola unveiled the proposal on Sunday in Abeokuta while outlining his agricultural development agenda ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He said the proposed commission would serve as an off-taker, purchasing produce from farmers, facilitating processing and linking products to local and international markets.
According to him, the initiative would address post-harvest marketing challenges and ensure farmers are paid promptly to reinvest in the next farming season.
“The commission will provide a structured market so that farmers can concentrate on production without worrying about buyers,” he said.
Adeola also pledged to expand mechanised farming through the provision of tractors and other equipment to reduce manual labour and increase output.
He said the plan would build on previous interventions where he facilitated the distribution of farming machinery to farmers across the state.
Beyond agriculture, the senator outlined plans to expand industrial employment, deepen state participation in the mining sector and develop new towns to manage population growth and housing deficits.
He proposed that industries operating in Ogun be encouraged to create more jobs for residents and establish regional offices in Abeokuta.
He also said mineral resources in the state should contribute more directly to its economic development and pledged to develop new urban centres while preserving existing communities.
