Eniola Yekini
The Ekiti State Farm Settlement Agency has reaffirmed Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to agricultural development and farmers’ welfare as activities commence for the new farming season.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Farm Settlement, Mr. Adewole Temitope made this known during the agency’s inaugural meeting of the year with farmers.
He stated that the Oyebanji-led administration remains resolute in strengthening food security and boosting productivity through sustained support initiatives.
Adewole listed ongoing interventions to include free land clearing, a 50 per cent subsidy on tractorization and the provision of agro-chemicals and improved seedlings to farmers across the settlements.
He noted that the revival of the Awolowo-era farm settlements has repositioned agriculture as a key driver of economic growth in the state. According to him, over 1,000 youths have been engaged in commercial agriculture through various empowerment and training programmes introduced by the government.
The SSA also highlighted infrastructure development within the settlements, including the construction of modern dormitories, access roads and irrigation systems aimed at creating a conducive environment for farming activities.
Farmers at the meeting commended Governor Oyebanji for strengthening security around farm settlements and improving access roads.
They, however, urged the government to intensify efforts on rural road infrastructure to ease the transportation of farm produce.
Speaking on the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) approved for Ekiti State by the Federal Government and the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Senior Special Assistant on SAPZ, Mr. Kehinde Ajayi said the initiative would significantly boost agricultural production, create jobs and increase farmers’ earnings.
He explained that the zone will focus on processing key commodities such as rice, cassava, dairy, cocoa, cashew, and maize.
In his remarks, the General Manager of the Farm Settlement Agency, Mr. Osundun Kolade reiterated the agency’s readiness to allocate land to interested farmers within and outside Ekiti State, subject to the approval of the governor through the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Boluwade Ebenezer.
He assured stakeholders of a transparent and inclusive process.
Directors present at the meeting included Mr Jayeoba Lawrence, Mr Ajibade Leke, Mr Ojo Temitope and Mr Olofintila Emmanuel alongside farm managers and other stakeholders.
The meeting underscored the state government’s sustained push to reposition agriculture as a cornerstone of economic development and youth empowerment in Ekiti State.