Stakeholders of Start Them Early Program (STEP) of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency have been charged to play a key role for sustainability of the program in the State. The program which is being implemented in collaboration with IITA, Ibadan organized a stakeholders meeting with the officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Education, OYSADA , IITA team and the key players of  the Christ High School, Orita Challenge, Oleyo, Ibadan where a new project is to be executed in addition to the recently completed  ones in the  State.

The Director General, Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, represented by the Director of Technical Services, Mr Ilori Olufemi disclosed that the purpose of the meeting was to highlight roles of stakeholders especially the school supported to ensure sustainability of the program for the betterment of the school and development of the State’s agricultural sector. The Hon Commissioner for Agriculture representative, Mr Odedele Solomon congratulated the Christ High School Management for being part of the beneficiaries in the program and admonished them to make best use of the opportunity to build themselves as well as their students in agribusiness enterprises.

Engr. Akeredolu Martins from IITA congratulated the school Management for the opportunity given by the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde to empower youths in agribusiness by replicating IITA environment in schools in terms of infrastructural development and promotion of agribusiness. He added that beautiful structure can deteriorate if there is no proper maintenance, monitoring and team spirit among the stakeholders.

The Local Inspection of Education official, Mrs Adesina Olubunmi speaking on behalf of Commissioner for Education and school Management assured the sponsors that there will be proper monitoring and stakeholders will work as a team with the school to ensure successful implementation and sustainability of the program.  After a brief talk by Miss Chinmen and her STEP team from IITA, questions were entertained and answered and vote of thanks was given by the Oyo State STEP Coordinator, Miss Bola Olarinde.