As part of deliberate efforts to enhance work ethics and ensuring delivery of quality project outcomes, the Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (OYO RAAMP) has organized a two-day training on Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Security for stakeholders involved in the development and operation of Agrologistics Centres (ALCs) across the state.
The capacity building, which was held on Thursday at Labamba Hotel, Oyo Town, Oyo State, was designed to strengthen stakeholders’ understanding of environmental and social safeguards. It also promotes gender-sensitive project implementation, improves security consciousness, and ultimately enhances the quality, safety, and sustainability of ALC projects under OYO RAAMP.
While declaring the training open, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi, described the gathering as significant, noting that the Agrologistics Centres under the project represent more than just buildings and facilities.
According to the commissioner, the centres are symbols of progress, engines of economic empowerment, and bridges connecting hardworking farmers to lucrative markets, thereby improving livelihoods and strengthening the agricultural value chain in Oyo State.
The commissioner, who spoke through the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, maintained that the focus of the training on environmental and social safeguards is not merely a procedural requirement but a moral imperative
He stressed that government and stakeholders have a responsibility to ensuring that development interventions enhance lives without causing harm to people or the environment.
“We must be deliberate in managing environmental impacts, protecting vulnerable groups, preventing gender-based violence, and maintaining security throughout the project implementation,” he said.
The Commissioner further stressed that the issue of gender based violence deserves particular attention, noting that if not properly and carefully managed, development projects can inadvertently create conditions that expose women and girls to increased risks.
While commending OYO RAAMP for prioritizing capacity building, Olaleye urged participants to take the training seriously and apply the knowledge gained in their respective roles to ensure inclusive, safe, and sustainable project execution.
In her remarks, the Project Coordinator, OYO RAAMP, Engr. Mrs. Adeola Ekundayo, emphasized that the training was a critical component of the project’s journey and implementation process, in strict alignment with the provisions of the Project Implementation Manual (PIM).
According to her, the PIM provides clear guidelines on environmental and social safeguards, GBV risk mitigation, and security management, which must be fully understood and applied by all stakeholders involved in the execution of ALC projects.
She noted that compliance with these guidelines is not optional but fundamental to achieving the project’s development objectives, sustainability targets, and community acceptance.
She added that the training was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge to implement RAAMP projects responsibly and professionally.
Engr. Ekundayo further urged stakeholders to internalize the lessons from the training and see safeguards as integral to project delivery, rather than as stand-alone requirements,
She stressed that adherence to the PIM will ensure consistency, accountability, and quality outcomes throughout the project lifecycle.
The training featured technical sessions, presentations, and interactive discussions facilitated by experts in environmental management, social safeguards, GBV prevention, and security management.
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