By Precious Owolabi Ado- Ekiti

Ekiti State has been chosen as one of the first beneficiaries of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF)’s Agricultural Skills (AgSkills) programme.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, announced this in a statement in Ado-Ekiti.

He explained that AgSkills is an Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) initiative designed to empower economically marginalized groups. The programme will train 1,000 youths in Ekiti annually, equipping them with essential skills to establish sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

Boluwade stated that the nomination reflects Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration’s commitment to agricultural investment, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiatives in food production.

The programme aims to tackle unemployment, enhance food security, and boost local economic growth by investing in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector.

According to Boluwade, AgSkills will drive youth empowerment through skill acquisition, accelerate job creation, strengthen the agricultural workforce, and position Ekiti as a model for inclusive agricultural development and poverty reduction.

Graduates of the programme will receive starter packs from NADF, in collaboration with the Ekiti State Government, to help them launch agribusiness ventures.