GUEST: Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade, Commissioner for Agric and Food Security
♻️ We have to commend Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his timely and impactful interventions in the agricultural sector which has paved the way for significant reduction in food prices across Ekiti.
♻️ Ekiti State Government has cleared over 5,000 hectares of land to support local farmers, alongside subsidizing essential agricultural products.
♻️ Governor Oyebanji’s initiative to transform the agricultural sector from a primarily subsistence model to an export-driven industry is already making strides.
♻️ In recognition of the state’s progress, the Federal Government has designated Ekiti as an agro-processing zone, a move that promises to further boost the local economy.
♻️ Oyebanji’s initiative is positioning Ekiti as both an agricultural industrial hub and a key agricultural center in the country, especially with the planned introduction of agricultural mechanization to enhance opportunities for farmers.
♻️ The partnership between the Ekiti State Government and higher institutions in the state is aimed at fostering research and innovation in agriculture, particularly to create job opportunities for young people and facilitate a sustainable job market for youth in the state.
♻️ Mr governor’s investment in cocoa production, training and sensitization of cocoa farmers has yielded impactful results on best practices for farm management. This even led to the state receiving support from the U.S. Government to improve cocoa planting techniques.
♻️ Our collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has ensured that farmers are accurately informed about the optimal planting times based on weather forecasts
♻️ In terms of youth empowerment, the state is actively encouraging young people to venture into agriculture, with specific investments in poultry farming . This has already resulted in the establishment of nine poultry centers across the state, with plans to expand .
♻️ Governor Oyebanji’s effort has brought about a partnership with the World Bank to build an international abattoir and provide cattle rearers with support to meet the demand of meat sellers.
♻️ On challenges between cattle rearers and farmers the state government is working on resolving lingering crisis and planning to establish mini-ranches to foster peaceful cohabitation between both groups.
♻️ Ekiti farmers both old and young have decided to show gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for his numerous impactful initiatives and efforts in the agric sector by coming out in their large numbers to re-elect him on June 20.
Comrade Afuye Idowu
ISA POL COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANCY FIRM
