EPE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN EMPOWERS 200 FARMERS 

… Cautions Farmers Against Increasing Prices of Product Arbitrarily 

The Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government, Princess Surah Animashaun, recently supported and empowered 200 farmers within the Local Government Area with a cash gift of N50,000 each. Crops like maize and sorghum were also distributed.

In her address at the second phase of the programme held at the Local Government Secretariat hall, Princess Animashaun explained that the farmers’ empowerment programme aims to support farmers with cash and crops like maize and sorghum to boost food production in the local government area.

The Chairman said, “For those involved in fish farming, we would also support them with fishing nets. Similarly, those engaged in livestock farming would receive cash assistance”.

Urging those engaged in aquaculture to be wary of water hyacinths on their ponds to prevent fish deaths, she highlighted the challenges faced by fish farmers in Epe due to water hyacinths in the lagoon, emphasising the importance of vigilance and prompt removal of the impediment from the local water bodies. 

The Chairman also commended crop farmers for offering their produce at more reasonable prices compared to fish farmers, she however expressed concern about the high cost of fish, particularly at the Olowo market, which makes them unaffordable to the common man. 

The Chairman therefore appealed to fish farmers to consider reducing their prices, assuring them that the third phase of the empowerment programme, which will be held in August 2024, would focus on supporting them with appropriate tools, particularly fishing nets.

Appreciating the Chairman’s initiative, Alhaja Aminat Shabi, President of the Farmers Association, commended her for the gesture., saying “She has completed the first two phases of the programme and has promised a third phase in August 2024. We will use the cash and crops provided judiciously to improve our fish, crop, and livestock farming for the benefit of our community and Lagos State”.

Dignitaries present at the event include members of the Executive, Legislative, and Management staff of Epe LGA, among others.