Osun Farmers, Butchers, Produce Buyers Endorse Adeleke for Second Term
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Ahead of August 15 gubernatorial election Hundreds of farmers, butchers and produce buyers in Osun State on Saturday endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term in office, citing his administration’s interventions in the agricultural sector.
The groups gathered at the open field of the Government House in Osogbo, where they described Adeleke as a “farmers-friendly” governor and expressed their support for his re-election ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The farmers commended the administration for the purchase of new tractors, completion of the farmers’ secretariat, distribution of farm inputs and the provision of thousands of cocoa, cashew and palm oil seedlings.
The representative of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Osun State, Moshood Adepoju, said farmers in the state had experienced better attention from government under Adeleke.
Adepoju also alleged that some farmers’ leaders were arrested by the opposition in an attempt to compel the association to work against the governor.
He said, “We endorse Mr Governor for re-election because he did well for Osun farmers. We were neglected for years under the APC. Governor Adeleke came and changed our fortunes for the better.
“We were arrested, but we insisted on standing by Mr Governor. Farmers will come out and vote massively for the governor’s second term. We compare the records of previous governors. The Accord candidate is our man within the farmers’ movement.”
The Osun State Chairman of the Butchers Association, Alhaji Amoo Afeez, said his members had also resolved to support Adeleke for a second term because of what he described as his achievements across different sectors.
Speaking in Yoruba, Afeez said Adeleke had positively transformed the state, adding that the people of Osun would reciprocate by voting for him.
The Osun Women in Agriculture also endorsed the governor, while the Chairman of the Osun Produce Association, Alhaji Owoade Obe, said his association believed continuity in governance was in the best interest of the state.
“Good things are currently happening to us in Osun State. We want it to continue. Osun people are enjoying Adeleke. So, our position is four plus four for the governor,” Obe said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Tola Faseru, told the governor that the gathering was organised at the request of the various associations to appreciate his administration’s efforts in the agricultural sector.
“Our farmers are here today to show appreciation that one good turn deserves another. They insisted on having this event because they see the governor as a leader who has shown deep commitment to expanding opportunities for farmers,” Faseru said.
The farmers thereafter moved a motion endorsing Adeleke for a second term. The motion was unanimously approved by those present.
Responding, Governor Adeleke thanked the farmers and other groups for the endorsement, saying their recognition of his administration’s efforts would motivate him to do more.
“I am happy that our deliveries in the agriculture sector are recognised by our dear farmers. This will encourage me to do more. We will get more machinery and farm inputs, as well as processing factories, in our second term,” the governor said.
