By Israel Adeleke
In a significant investment in agriculture, Ogun State has allocated a total of N135,047,220 to four vital projects throughout 2022, according to the state’s e-procurement website.
These initiatives aim to promote agricultural development and enhance the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen across the region.
The projects unveiled by the Ogun State government encompass the establishment of a cotton market, the construction of market stalls in Ogun East and Ogun West Senatorial Districts, the procurement of fishing and fish farm inputs, and the renovation of a central feed depot.
An investigation conducted by PLATFORM TIMES in October 2023 revealed these substantial financial commitments, all managed under the Ministry of Agriculture. Each project had distinct estimated budgets, project estimates, proposed award dates, and estimated completion dates.
The most substantial allocation, amounting to N61,547,220, was dedicated to the construction of two market stalls in Ogun East and Ogun West Senatorial Districts.
This project, with an estimated budget and project estimate matching the final cost, was slated for award on June 30, 2022, and a completion date of June 15, 2022.
The second most noteworthy project involved the purchase of fishing and fish farm inputs for farmers and fishermen across the state, with an allocation of N50 million.
The project was also planned to be awarded on June 30, 2022, with an estimated completion date of June 1, 2022.
Further investment of N22 million was made in the establishment of a cotton market to boost sustainable cotton production and market stalls for farmers.
The award for this project was expected on June 24, 2022, with a completion date of June 14, 2022.
The least expensive project, costing N1.5 million, focused on the re-roofing and renovation of a central feed depot in Kotopo.
The project was set to be awarded on June 16, 2022, with an estimated completion date of June 1, 2022.
Notably, the e-procurement website is currently inaccessible, and the reasons behind its shutdown remain undisclosed as the State government has not issued any official statements on the matter.
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