Temitope Saheed Odetola Promotes Agribusiness, Aquaculture, Focuses On Sustainability Of Urban Farming
By Oluwadamilare Daniels
Mr Temitope Saheed Odetola has been recognised as the Excellent Agric Advocate of the Year 2024 by Creek Multimedia, the publisher of Creekvibes Magazine, also known as Chimeremenze among his Igbo peers, Odetola is a strong proponent of agribusiness and aquaculture, focusing primarily on the sustainability of urban farming. He recently participated in ‘The Conversation’ program hosted by Olaoluwa Awe on Lagos Talk Radio 91.3FM, where he advocated for sustainable agricultural practices.
Currently, he collaborates with Clevenard TV, a platform dedicated to Global Growth and Positive Change through meaningful discussions, documentaries, entertainment, and historical content, while also promoting community culture and traditions. Through their social networking initiatives, Nigerians in the diaspora are encouraged to connect with those in Nigeria who wish to present their ideas, products, and mineral resources to a global audience.
As the general manager for the South-West region, Mr. Odetola oversees the organisation’s operations.
He has educated the public, on how to initiate farming in small spaces, such as backyards, balconies, and cottages that receive adequate sunlight. He has also appeared on Bond FM 92.9FM, on a program titled ‘Ateoja’ hosted by Mrs Temitope Agoro, and on Galaxy Television’s Fire Cracks Sunday show, where he discussed food security. One of the recent topics addressed was the credibility of Nigerians in accessing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), which offer various benefits to producers and consumers, including enhanced crop protection against specific diseases or pests, thereby ensuring increased food production.
According to Odetola; “I see no reason why Nigerians should experience hunger. Earlier this year, I invited someone to clear the bushes behind my apartment, which allowed me to cultivate the area for planting cocoyam. You should see the harvest I gathered just a few days ago; I also harvested plantains from the same space.
“Nigerians must cease their reliance on the government, as it cannot fulfil all their needs. We should acquire polythene bags or Bagco super sacks, and fill them with sand—half-filled is sufficient for planting seed yam tubers. Dig a trench approximately 2 inches deep for the seed yam and ensure it is regularly watered; the results during harvest will overwhelm you.
“This method is not limited to yam alone; it’s also applicable to maize, cassava, tomatoes, peppers, and more. This serves as a call to action for everyone to begin cultivating crops, even in small pots on their balconies. This morning, I took a flower vase, in which I had planted pepper, Scent leaves, and Okro to my sister who resides in Shola Martins. If the plants planted in the pot are well nurtured, it will function as a mini garden, providing her with fresh pepper and Okro. My sister preferred the flower vase over the Bagco bag, fearing that the sack would deface the good looks of her apartment, which I found reasonable.
“I have consistently promoted such initiatives; not everything needs to be purchased from the market. The items you buy were also cultivated and harvested before reaching the market for your purchase.”
I am experiencing a sense of relief as I observe individuals beginning to implement the practices I have been advocating. I have received accounts from people who have successfully cultivated crops in bags, yielding impressive harvests; even a damaged plastic bowl or bucket can prove useful in this context. Should you require assistance, I recommend contacting the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture for support.
CREEKVIBES OLUWADAMILARE DANIELS inquired of Mr Odetola regarding the assistance he could provide to a newcomer interested in starting a fish farm. Mr Odetola expressed his enthusiasm, stating; “Despite being a youth, I take great pride in the positive impact I have made in the lives of numerous individuals, some of whom follow my work on television while others tune in to my radio programs.
“Local government, State and Federal are more than ready to assist individuals that ready to explore the agricultural space, there is an adage that says ‘Omo to ba shipa ni obi ungbe’ meaning a child that stretches forth his hand to his father is who the father carry.
Whatever allocation you access from the government, group, non governmental organisations should be utilized judiciously otherwise it should be returned to the access point.
Access found should be use to enhance food production in all ramifications.”
APPRECIATION
Dr. Lanre Badmus, who appointed me to collaborate with him, served as the regional director of the World Aquaculture Society. I extend my gratitude to Alhaja Salaudeen and Mrs Balogun for her encouragement in my journey; she is a staff member of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture. My heartfelt appreciation also goes to Dr. Opadokun, Mr. Josh, Mr. Bakare, Dr. Charity Oche, Mrs. Felicia Okotie, Prince Kenedy Onyema, Abiodun Agbomabiwon, Bola Adekoya and Alhaji Gbenga CEO Solace.
I would like to acknowledge my big-sister in Canada, Madam Funke, whose support has been invaluable. Funke is a director at Crystal Logistics, a company that facilitates the transportation of goods from West Africa, particularly Nigeria, to Calgary, Canada, and other global destinations.
I must also express my gratitude to Mariam Akinbode and Alhaja Nurat Atoba.
I would like to recognise my wife, to whom I have a request; I hope for more than what I currently receive from her, and I take this opportunity to commend her for her efforts in enhancing our relationship. I pledge to provide her with greater support.
I am thankful to Alhaji and Alhaja Tijani for their parental guidance in my life. I extend my thanks to the directors of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in Lagos State, Oko Oba Agege, Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Olusanya, Mrs. James, and Mr. Elegushi (grandma), all of whom have retired.
I acknowledge the current Director of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs. Omolara Oguntuyi, as well as the current regional director, Mrs. Akeredolu.
I also wish to express my best wishes to Mrs. Tolulope Alao, the incoming Director of the Lagos Office, and pray that she is granted the wisdom to lead the ministry effectively.
I appreciate my mother and sister, and I pray that the Lord alleviates any burdens my mother may bear. I am grateful to my patrons, Suliat Oluwatoyin Raji Ogbitse Stella (US), Ibiyemi (US), and Abiden (US), as well as all my customers both domestically and internationally, including Mr. David Olajide from the Ago Palace area, Alhaji Afiz Borokini, Mr. Samson Dahunsi, and Baba Christopher Alade. I also acknowledge those whose names I may have forgotten or did not mention, as they have all provided me with financial and moral support. May God continue to bless and provide for their households, amen.
