Senate Leader Distributes 5,000 Bags of Fertilizer to Ekiti Farmers, Applauds Tinubu's Support.

Senate Leader Distributes 5,000 Bags of Fertilizer to Ekiti Farmers, Applauds Tinubu's Support.

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has distributed 5,000 bags of fertilizer to farmers in Ekiti Central Senatorial District, in an effort to boost agriculture and improve the livelihoods of residents. This initiative forms part of President Bola Tinubu's agricultural support scheme aimed at enhancing food production across the country.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

Speaking during the distribution event in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Bamidele disclosed that President Tinubu had allocated 1,200 bags of fertilizer to each senator and 600 bags to each member of the House of Representatives for distribution to farmers in their respective districts. However, the Senate Leader explained that he took it upon himself to source additional funds to increase the number of fertilizer bags from the 1,200 allocated to 5,000 for his senatorial district.

“I felt I needed more than 1,200 bags for my district, so I looked for money and got additional bags to make it 5,000. These fertilizers are for registered farmers only,” Bamidele stated.

He emphasized that the distribution was targeted at genuine farmers and warned beneficiaries against selling the fertilizers. “Do not collect it if you will not use it,” he cautioned.

Bamidele also used the occasion to clear up rumors circulating about his alleged opposition to regionalism, dismissing them as “fake news.” He clarified that there was no bill or memorandum before the National Assembly on regionalism but pointed to his work in championing the passage of the South West Development Commission (SWDC) Bill, which would benefit all six states in the region.

The Senate Leader expressed confidence that once President Tinubu returns from his vacation, the SWDC Bill would be signed into law. The Commission, which will have its headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State, will see key positions distributed among the Southwest states.

Bamidele commended President Tinubu for his commitment to improving agriculture, saying the fertilizer distribution was part of the president's broader strategy to make agriculture more productive and sustainable in the country. 

He further added, "The president believes we should go beyond sharing rice and actively invest in agriculture," highlighting the administration's goal of achieving food security and improving the economic conditions of Nigerian farmers.