Dr Adetunji Oredipe, a Senior Agricultural Economist, World Bank and Task Team Leader, Fadama III AF Project, has appealed to the Lagos State Government to institutionalise Fadama Project in the state.
Oredipe made the appeal when he led the South-West team on a field inspection of the newly completed Aladeshoyin Fadama Food Market in Noforija, Eredo Local Council Development Area of Epe, Lagos.
The team was in Lagos for the 12th World Bank/FGN joint implementation support mission to Fadama III Additional Financing (AF) Projects presently ongoing across the country.
Oredipe commended the Lagos State Government for the support given to the FADAMA projects through the payment of its counterpart fund.
He said that the institutionalisation of Fadama projects in the state would sustain the impact of the projects on-ground, and ensure continued support to small scale holders within the agricultural value chain.
The team leader called on the state government to look into the completion and utilisation of the Pilot Irrigation System through state funding or Public Private Partnerships.
He urged all stakeholders to ensure proper utilisation and maintenance of the newly completed Aladeshoyin Market structure.
Oredipe charged the local government to ensure adequate security and environmental compliance within the market.
He advised the council chairman to add value to the market structure and its externals.
The South-West team of the mission arrived Lagos on Nov. 26 from Awka and Abuja, for a three-day mission organised on zonal basis.
Apart from the Aladeshoyin Fadama Market, the team also visited the Pilot Centre of its Pivot Irrigation System in Idena Itoikin in Epe Local Government Area.
The mission proceeded to Ogun for a technical meeting with participants from the South-West, Edo and Kwara from Nov. 28 to Nov. 29.
Others on the mission include: Mr Lucky Erhase, a Safeguard and Environment Specialist; Malam A.S Balarabe, National Project Coordinator, Fadama III AF project and officers from the national project office.
Also, Mr Jonathan Obayemi, Lagos State Fadama Project Coordinator, led the Project Implementation unit team on the government side.
The team was received at the market site by the Aladeshoyin of Odo Noforija Kingdom, Oba Ogunlaja; Oba of Poka, Eredo LCDA Chairman and market men and women.
