Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has emphasised that a serious national commitment to agriculture remains the surest way for Nigeria to tackle persistent issues such as unemployment, hunger and widespread poverty.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti during a courtesy visit by the Dutch Consul General, Michel Deelen, the governor explained that his administration deliberately positioned agriculture at the centre of its development agenda to boost food production, create opportunities for young people and improve livelihoods across the state.
Oyebanji noted that Nigeria is blessed with fertile land and human capacity, stressing that if the agricultural sector is fully optimised, it could address the majority of the country’s pressing socio-economic concerns.
According to him, “Once agriculture works, major problems like food shortages, joblessness, and poverty will be greatly reduced. It even has the potential to minimise insecurity.”
He added that his government had already begun translating this vision into action, particularly through youth-focused farming initiatives. Oyebanji stated that the state successfully moved thousands of young people into productive agricultural ventures within two years of his administration.
The governor commended the Netherlands for its reputation in agricultural innovation and expressed enthusiasm about working with the country to scale up Ekiti’s agricultural transformation.
Responding, the Dutch Consul General, Michel Deelen, applauded the progress made in the state’s farm sector and described Ekiti as a promising agricultural hub. He affirmed the Netherlands’ readiness to partner with the state in modern farming techniques, irrigation, capacity development and value-chain expansion, noting that such cooperation would significantly strengthen agricultural productivity in the state.
