Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to ensuring year-round availability and affordability of food items to residents through a structured food distribution chain.
Speaking during the commissioning of ‘Ounje Ekiti Retail Outlet’ and the ‘Ilu Eye Aggregation Hub’ in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, Governor Oyebanji said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to combat hunger and poverty by promoting local food production.
According to the Governor, the state government has so far invested over N50 billion in agribusiness with the goal of transforming Ekiti into Nigeria’s food basket.
“Our aim is to guarantee that the food consumed in Ekiti is grown in Ekiti. This retail outlet and aggregation hub are practical steps to ensure food security and support our farmers with guaranteed market access,” Oyebanji said.
Retail Outlet to Sell Below Market Price, Aggregation Hub Buys Direct from Farmers
The Ilu Eye Aggregation Hub, a registered agro-trading company, purchases food commodities directly from local farmers, stores them, and supplies the ‘Ounje Ekiti’ outlet, which sells the food items to households at subsidised prices.
Governor Oyebanji disclosed that as of August 6, the hub had successfully aggregated the following food items from farmers across the state:
750 metric tons of white beans
239.167 metric tons of rice paddy
101.54 metric tons of maize
1,716 bags of garri
He noted that this model was part of the recommendations of the Ekiti State Food Security Committee, set up to enhance food supply and reduce post-harvest losses in the state.
“This aggregation shows what our farmers can produce when they are supported with proper policy, infrastructure and market linkages,” he said.
System to Prevent Hoarding, Curb Middlemen, Ensure Equity
Oyebanji clarified that the retail outlet will serve only households, with strict control on quantity per buyer to prevent hoarding, profiteering, or the return of middlemen into the supply chain.
“This is not a palliative programme. It is a permanent intervention to stabilise food supply and shield our people from exploitative prices,” the Governor explained.
Food Security Committee, Finance Commissioner, Applaud Initiative
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, praised the Governor for his “bold investment in the agricultural sector,” saying the project would encourage farmers through guaranteed off-take.
Boluwade, who also chairs the Food Security Committee, said the programme was designed to mitigate high food prices, particularly during droughts and seasonal scarcity, and eliminate exploitative middlemen.
He also announced the launch of a commodity price dashboard to track and harmonise food prices across major markets in the state.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr Akintunde Oyebode, said the initiative reflects the Governor’s commitment to shared prosperity.
“No resident of Ekiti should go hungry again. This project will keep food on the tables of our people throughout the year,” he added.
Dignitaries at the Commissioning
Present at the commissioning were the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, members of the State Assembly, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff Mr Niyi Adebayo, Head of Service Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, members of the state executive council, market leaders, and labour union representatives.
