Osogbo — NO fewer than 8,000 farmers in 20 of the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun state have benefited from the third national Fadama Development projects.

Similarly10 persons living with HIV/AIDS in the state have been empowered through the Fadama 111 project supported by the World Bank and the three tiers of government.

The Project Coordinator, Mr. Adebowale Adediji, at a briefing in Osogbo yesterday, said other disadvantaged people including widows and handicapped individuals had been empowered through the project.

He said the disadvantaged people were provided with computer systems, motorcycles and other equipment to facilitate their operations in the rural areas.

Adediji, who explained that the project was a partnership between the World Bank, Federal and the state governments, noted that the project had empowered artisans and other professionals in the state since it commenced in March, 2009.