Abeokuta: The Ogun State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging the swift revitalisation of Apoje Farms in the Ijebu-Igbo area of the state.
The resolution was made at the plenary on Tuesday, presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Oludiase Elemide, at the Assembly Complex in Abeokuta.
The resolution followed a debate on a motion moved and sponsored by Hon. Rasheed Kashamu, representing Ijebu North East State Constituency, titled: “Need for the Revamp of Apoje Farms and Comprehensive Review of Farm Settlements Management in Ogun State.”
The motion was seconded by Hon. Olakunle Sobukanla and supported by the whole House through a voice vote.
Opening debate on the motion leading to the passage of the resolution, Hon. Kashamu highlighted the historic significance and economic potential of Apoje Farms, describing it as “a once-thriving hub for oil palm, citrus, and other agricultural produce.”
He noted that the immediate rehabilitation of the farm would support the state’s agricultural development strategies, enhance food production and boost internally generated revenue.
He urged the Assembly to call on relevant authorities to prioritise infrastructure upgrades, modern farming systems, and strategic partnerships needed to restore full commercial operations at the farm settlement.
The lawmaker also proposed integrating Apoje farms into the state’s Agricultural Master Plan by expanding its scope to include livestock production, aquaculture, processing hubs, and agro-tourism, with a sustainable management framework to ensure accountability and increased productivity.
Supporting the motion, other lawmakers, including the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, Minority Leader, Lukman Adeleye, as well as Oluseun Adesanya, Babatunde Tella, Haruna Egungbohun, Damilare Bello and Adegoke Adeyanju.
They stressed the need to revive the farm and other agricultural settlements across the state, noting that agriculture had been a significant source of revenue before the oil boom.
The lawmakers emphasised that revitalising the farm settlements is critical to addressing food scarcity and stabilising the economy.
They also requested a thorough review and overhaul of all government-owned agricultural estates and facilities to ensure transparency and efficiency.
They called for measures to halt the increased encroachment by real estate developers who are converting government-acquired farmland into residential estates.
However, the motion to adopt the resolution was later moved by Hon. Kashamu and seconded by Hon. Adegoke Adeyanju. In contrast, the Majority Leader, Yusuf Sheriff, forced the debate into a house resolution.
The resolution was seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Adeleye and supported by the entire House.
Also, the Assembly directed the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Bolu Owotomo and his Forestry counterpart, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, alongside the General Manager of the Agricultural Development Corporation, is to appear before it on November 25.
