Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in food security through youths empowerment in the agriculture sector.
Governor Oyebanji asserted this on Friday during the distribution of cheques (Accrued Profit) to the 2nd Cohorts of the Ekiti Broilers Production Scheme, EBOPS, at the government house, Ado-Ekiti.
He congratulated the participants, reminding them that the training given to them has yielded positive results, and that in another few years when they are on their own they will know how profitable they are, pointing out that it is one of the administration’s flagship programmes.
Oyebanji said the young poultry entrepreneurs have shown business discipline and hard work throughout their productive cycle. Adding that their success is a prove that agriculture remains a viable pathway in prosperity when given the right support and enabling environment. ”When we launched Cohorts in 2023, we started with forty-five youths who shared our vision”.
Governor Oyebanji, represented by his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said”, today, I am delighted to know that over 250 broilers have been successfully raised and over 250 youths have benefited from the programme, direct beneficiaries, let alone other beneficiaries. It has grown from 19. 4 million in Cohort 1, to 177 million in Cohort 2”. This she stressed has continued to demonstrate that agriculture is not only benefitting the nation, but creating wealth and empowerment to the people.
Mrs Afuye disclosed that as part of government’s commitment to sustain and expand the programme, Mr governor has approved #300M for the expansion of the scheme and establishment of new Cohorts across the three senatorial districts. According to her”, the next phase, Cohort 3, will recruit another additional 200 job participants to raise 90,000 birds per cycle, and further consolidate our journey towards agro-industrial development”.
She also acknowledged the effort made to renovate existing poultry facilities, construct new ones, and even revive abandoned private facilities such as those in Efon, which she described as a true prudent resources management. Adding that the participants are the eyes of a new Ekiti by being innovative, industrious and future-oriented.
The governor’s representative urged the youths to reinvest their profits wisely in the sustainable agriculture business and mentor others. She underscored that agriculture remains central to the economic transformation agenda of the state. ”We will continue to support initiatives that bring the beauty, income and hope to our young people”.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, said the programme which was launched in 2023 has continued to record appreciable impact in the sector. He noted that the programme is a demonstration that agriculture can be a glorifying, rewarding and profitable venture, especially for agricultural students.
Mr Boluwade also informed the gathering that the number of beneficiaries when the programme was launched in 2023 was 45, but moved 130 in 2024 and currently boasts of 200 youths. ” We have some who joined in 2024 and are graduating today. We will extend it to more local government areas”.
The participants appreciated governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration for charting a positive future for them through the introduction of various empowerment initiatives that will not only impact on their lives but equally rub off on the society.
There were goodwill messages from diverse groups, development partners, Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture among others. Also in attendance were top government functionaries.
