Ogun Agric Not Receiving Cattle, People As Farm Input - Commissioner

Abeokuta- Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture has debunked the recent publication of herdsmen invasion and cattle movement through Isheri Kara, Ogere, Saapade, and Iperu respectively. 

According to the statement signed by Dr. Dotun Sorunke, Permanent Secretary

Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture "The attention of the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture has been drawn to a report of an alleged movement of Cattle into Ogun State, at Isheri Kara, Ogere, Sapade and Iperu."  Following an on the spot assessment carried out at these locations by the COVID-19 Taskforce of the Ministry of Agriculture, on Thursday, 30th April, 2020, this report has been found to be false and misleading. 

The Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, therefore wishes to respond as follows:

(1.) The Ministry of Agriculture has permitted the supply of Agro Inputs (Seeds, Fertilizers and Herbicides) ONLY to farmers in Ogun State. The Ministry of Agriculture is not authorizing or receiving cattle or people from other States into Ogun State, as farm input.

(2.) With respect to the supply of Agro Inputs (Seeds, Fertilizers and Herbicides) to farmers in Ogun State, the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture is adhering strictly to the guidelines/protocols involved with the supply of Agro Inputs from other States into Ogun State, as developed in consultation with the Ogun State Ministry of Health:

(a) Upon receipt of request for movement exemption/permit from Agro Input Suppliers, the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture notifies the Ogun State Ministry of Health and Security Agencies.

(b) The COVID-19 Taskforce of the Ministry of Agriculture, led by the Permanent Secretary (who is a Veterinary Doctor) and the Director of Veterinary Services, would meet the concerned Agro Input Supplier at the Border of the State, to decontaminate the supplier (person and vehicle) and goods (seeds/fertilizers/herbicides).

(c) The Taskforce would then supervise the delivery of the Agro Input Supplier to its intended destination in Ogun State and escort the supplier out of the State borders, after delivery.

(3.) The Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture will continue to alert Security agencies with suspicious movements through our field agents in all Local Government Areas of Ogun State