The Ekiti State Government has disbursed ₦1 billion to 5,000 young farmers under the Bring Back the Youth into Agriculture programme, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to boost agricultural productivity and youth empowerment.
Presenting cheques to the beneficiaries at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, Governor Biodun Oyebanji described the initiative as a shift from subsistence farming to sustainable, large-scale agribusiness through a public-private partnership with YSJ Farms.
The programme, which started in 2024 with 911 youths and ₦145 million in profits, has expanded to over 5,000 participants in 2025, recording a 700% growth to ₦1 billion in profits. The government aims to scale up participation to 50,000 youths by 2030, targeting an annual agricultural turnover of ₦50 billion.
Key Highlights:
– Agricultural Hubs: The programme operates across 12 agricultural hubs, with interventions including free land clearing, farm inputs, security, dams, buses, and solar-powered irrigation.
– Youth Empowerment: The initiative aims to tackle youth unemployment and boost economic development.
– Success Stories: Beneficiaries include Johnson Owoeye, Akeredolu Michael, and Bolarinwa Abiodun, who received ₦1.5 million, and ₦1 million, respectively.
The programme has gained traction across the South-West and is expected to be extended nationwide.
