Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has taken a significant step towards promoting youth involvement in agriculture. He recently disbursed cheques worth N140 million to young farmers in the state, marking the first batch of their harvest under the “Bring Back The Youth in Agriculture” program
The program, a partnership between the state government and YSJ Farms Limited, aims to encourage youths to engage in commercial agriculture. Governor Oyebanji presented the cheques to the young farmers at Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, acknowledging the widespread food shortage experienced globally this year.
To further support the young farmers, Governor Oyebanji announced plans to provide tractors for hiring, boosting their production capacity. He emphasized that the state government’s strategy is to create an enabling environment for investors to bring tractors to the state for leasing to farmers
The governor also cautioned elements in the Ministry of Agriculture who hinder progress in the sector, urging them to support the government’s efforts to reposition agriculture and improve food security. Additionally, he announced that his government had injected N300 million into the state’s economy in the last 48 hours, aligning with the shared prosperity and wealth creation agenda.
Governor Oyebanji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his financial support to the state, enabling efforts to build Renewed Hope Farm settlements in all farm clusters. He also promised to provide accommodation for the farmers, renovating the old Awolowo farm settlement and planning to build at least six farm settlements next year
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluade, thanked the governor for his efforts, highlighting the initiative’s potential to create jobs for 10,000 youths and lift them out of poverty. The youths who received the cheques shared their experiences, commending the governor for providing necessary support for them to thrive in the business
