…Warns youth against developing ill feelings towards agriculture

By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

In a bid to position Ekiti State for sustainable food security and make farming highly attractive to the youth, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has flagged off the construction of dormitories in all farm settlements operating in the state.

Oyebanji stated that the policy would not only make the state the food basket of the nation but also generate employment for a myriad of young people who had previously held the conservative view that farming was not a lucrative venture.

Speaking in Eporo Ekiti on Thursday while laying the foundation for the construction of the Renewed Hope Dormitory, Oyebanji said the project would help curb the astronomical increase in food prices when agricultural products become readily available in all markets.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said the dormitories would be fitted with modern accessories and basic amenities, allowing young farmers to reside fully within the farms. He emphasised that food production is the foundation on which the economy thrives.

He assured young farmers operating in the state that the project would be replicated in other designated Farm Settlement areas, including Oke Ako, Eporo, Aramomo, and Ikere, where cluster farming is being practised.

Ekiti’s number one citizen expressed delight at the increasing level of food production in the state since the commencement of the cluster farming initiative, which has facilitated the productive engagement of about a thousand young people in agriculture.

In an exciting revelation, Oyebanji announced that young farmers in the state earned over N200 million in the last farming season, thereby propelling Ekiti’s economy towards sustainable growth.

“The project we are beginning today represents a vision turning into reality. It embodies our collective dreams, our commitment to progress, and our dedication to building a better future for generations to come.

“A project of this scale reflects the power of unity and shared ambition. It is a testament to what can be achieved when vision meets action. With this first step, we embark on a journey that will leave a lasting impact, fostering growth and development.

“As we advance in our pursuit of food security, let us remain focused and encourage our citizens, particularly the youth, to always perceive farming as a noble and profitable vocation.

“With this mindset, our economy will improve through adequate food production, income generation, and employment creation, ultimately reducing poverty in our land.”

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, described the programme as a game-changing policy in food production at the subnational level, one that would reignite interest in farming.

Boluwade applauded Governor Oyebanji for his vision in the agricultural sector, assuring that all policies aimed at boosting food production in the state would be executed with dedication to transform the lives of the people.

“The idea of having dormitories in all our farm settlements is to make farming more attractive to our youth. It also signals that the current administration is committed to achieving Ekiti’s targeted food security status.”

The Project Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Dormitories in Farm Settlements, Mrs Oluwayemisi Joluwe, revealed that Ekiti was being used as a pilot state for the initiative, underscoring the robust working relationship between the state and the federal government.

Joluwe added that the cluster farming initiative had added value to Ekiti by helping to curb the menace of abductions, as areas once identified as kidnapping hotspots were being converted into farm settlements.