Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that young farmers participating in the state’s agricultural programme earned over N200 million last year from the sale of their produce.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing food security through strategic infrastructure development aimed at transforming the state into a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.

Governor Oyebanji made this known while hosting the management team of Origin Tech Group, led by its Chief Executive, Prince Samuel Joseph.

He emphasized that the state government has successfully repositioned agriculture as a profitable business venture through various interventions.

According to a statement released by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, Oyebanji disclosed that Ekiti State is ready to collaborate with the tech company to further develop the agricultural sector.

He noted that the N200 million profit recorded by young farmers during the last harvest season came from off-takers, major processing plants, and the state government, which purchased some of the produce for storage.

The governor highlighted that the success of the programme’s first batch has encouraged more young farmers to participate adding that no fewer than 2,000 young farmers have expressed interest in joining the cluster farming initiative this year.

He further stated that the state is working towards achieving food surplus, youth empowerment, and economic growth through agribusiness.

He attributed the farmers’ increased productivity to the government’s support, which includes providing improved seedlings, land clearing, and tractor services.

The assurance that their produce would be purchased, he added, has also been a significant motivator.

To further enhance efficiency in the sector, Oyebanji announced plans to introduce middle-level market hubs to serve as distribution centers, ensuring seamless food production, processing, and supply across the state.

“We have developed a system that has transitioned agriculture from mere farming to a structured business. Last year, we piloted a programme involving 1,000 farmers across six cluster farms in the state. We provided them with land clearing, tractorization, and seedlings. By December, they had collectively earned over N200 million from sales, and we ensured that they reinvested a percentage of their profits back into their farms”, Oyebanji said.

“My government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure to support this agricultural transformation. We will continue to engage in partnerships that will drive remarkable growth in the sector and establish Ekiti as a key player in agriculture”.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group, Mr. Joseph Samuel, commended Governor Oyebanji for his commitment to agricultural development.

He described the governor’s efforts as a clear demonstration of visionary leadership, benefiting both Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole.

Samuel expressed his company’s readiness to collaborate with the state government through initiatives such as middle-level cooperatives, prototype cluster farms, and sorting and logistics centers. These, he said, would generate revenue for the state, empower farmers, and enhance food security.

He also proposed a partnership model where Ekiti State could secure at least a 40% equity stake in the company’s agricultural ventures, ensuring sustainable development and economic growth in food production.