In a renewed effort to boost food security and drive economic growth, the Ekiti State Government has approved fresh agricultural investments worth over N1.5 billion across various projects in the sector.
The approval was announced in a statement on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, following the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Tuesday.
According to Olatunbosun, N86.1 million has been allocated for the construction of six poultry pens, each with a 2,000-bird capacity, spread across the three senatorial districts of the state. The projects are expected to be completed within six weeks.
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He explained that the initiative is designed to expand the state’s broiler production scheme, which currently operates in Efon, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Emure, and Ikere Local Government Areas, with the aim of engaging more youths in agriculture.
Olatunbosun said: “The present administration, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has demonstrated unwavering resolve and commitment to transform the agriculture sector through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) intervention plan on the establishment of poultry production clusters in Ekiti State. The plan, without any doubt, has been a huge success, as it is a source of sustainable jobs for the youths in the poultry value chain of the livestock subsector.”
The expansion, he added, will enable new trainees from other senatorial districts to participate in the programme while ensuring that current beneficiaries are not displaced.
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Furthermore, N299.9 million was set aside to strengthen the Ekiti Broilers Production Scheme for Youth Empowerment (EBOPS). The initiative has already led to the renovation of poultry pens at Erinfun, Ado-Ekiti, and empowered over 150 young people through contractual broiler production as well as entrepreneurial training in poultry processing and marketing.
In addition, the council approved N638.1 million for the procurement of furniture and equipment for newly constructed dormitories at farm clusters under the “Bring Back Our Youths to Agriculture” Programme, to make the facilities more habitable and conducive for participants.
To further support farmers, N70 million was approved for the recapitalisation of the Fountain Agricultural Marketing Agency (FAMA). The fund will enable FAMA to procure agrochemicals through direct labour and supply them to farmers at cost-effective rates.
Olatunbosun emphasized that agriculture remains a cornerstone of Governor Oyebanji’s economic agenda, saying: “The agricultural sector is considered a vital part of this administration’s economic agenda, focusing on food security, job creation for unemployed youths, wealth generation for farmers, capacity building, yield improvement, and attracting agribusiness investments.”
Beyond agriculture, the council also approved over N3 billion for the construction of aviation staff quarters at the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ado-Ekiti, in preparation for the commencement of commercial operations.
The project, to be executed by Messrs CCECC Nigeria Limited, will deliver 40 residential units, including 32 self-contained apartments for junior and middle-level officers, six one-bedroom apartments for senior staff, and two two-bedroom apartments for management staff. The scope also covers road infrastructure, car parks, and the installation of a direct flame incinerator for waste management.
In the area of road infrastructure, the council approved over N7 billion for the rehabilitation of the Ikogosi–Ipole–Efon Alaaye Road, a critical route that links several communities in the state.
Olatunbosun said the road project, scheduled for completion within 24 months, will involve clearing, earthworks, drainage, pavement construction, and asphalt laying. He noted that the rehabilitation will ease transportation, promote socio-economic activities, and improve security for residents along the corridor.
