Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agriculture as a key avenue for creation of wealth and job opportunities for youths in the State.

The Governor made the declaration in Ado-Ekiti while presenting an 18 Seater Toyota bus to youths engaged in agriculture in the State.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, Governor Oyebanji emphasized that agriculture is one of the six pillars of his administration and thus the sector is being given the desired attention .

He noted that as Africa faces unprecedented challenges, visionary and innovative leadership are crucial to addressing issues like food insecurity and job creation.

“I want to use this medium to appreciate the efforts of all investors in the agro-corridor and value chain players who complement the State Government’s efforts in ensuring food security and safety for our citizens,” Governor Oyebanji stated. “The ‘Bringing Youth Back to Agriculture Programme’ in Ekiti State is one of many interventions designed to encourage our youths into the agribusiness world.”

The Governor highlighted the productive collaboration between the State Government and YSJ Farm Limited, which has yielded positive results.

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He also disclosed that 1,200 youths have been recruited into cassava, maize, and yam production clusters across the 16 LGAs of Ekiti State stressing that the recent launch of the farming system project in Oke Ako on June 15, 2024, underscores his administration’s commitment to agriculture.

Governor Oyebanji assured the youths that the State Government will continue to support those who show seriousness in agriculture.

He noted that the presentation of the vehicle is one of many initiatives aimed at assisting young farmers stressing that the promised ongoing renovations of farmhouses, such as those in Erifun and Gede was designed to reduce the distance between farms and residential areas.

He also assured the youths that the government would buy back their produce after harvest.

Stressing the importance of transportation to agribusiness , Oyebanji urged the young farmers to use the provided bus judiciously

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, in his welcome address, urged youths to embrace the opportunities in agriculture provided by Governor Oyebanji’s administration.
He highlighted several initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural production, including the tractorization policy, farm input subsidy, and the establishment of a two-hectare model polyclonal cashew farm/scion garden at Erifun in Ado-Ekiti.

In her remarks, the YSJ Coordinator, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Joluwe, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his support and pledged continued efforts towards the success of the programme