The Ekiti State House of Assembly (EKHA) has assured of its continued commitment to prioritising agriculture in the state’s budget.
This, according to the Assembly, will be central to the state’s goal of completely eliminating hunger and ensuring food security.
The pledge was made by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Stephen Aribasoye, while addressing journalists during a visit to Agbeyewa Farms Ltd. The Speaker led a delegation of lawmakers from across the state to the 5,000-hectare farm located in the Ipao-Ekiti community, Ikole Local Government Area.
Aribasoye praised the farm’s expansive cassava initiative, which he described as a groundbreaking agricultural revolution that would not only boost productivity but also provide employment opportunities and promote infrastructure development in the state.
He lauded the leadership of Agbeyewa Farms for their vision in positioning Ekiti as a key player in the nation’s agricultural sector.
“The vision behind Agbeyewa Farms is a passionate commitment to transforming agriculture in Ekiti. What we are witnessing here today is a true agricultural revolution that promises substantial development for the state,” Aribasoye remarked.
The Speaker also commended the efforts of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for creating a conducive environment for investors. He reaffirmed the legislative body’s support for initiatives that drive agricultural growth, stating that the Assembly will continue to pass laws that promote an enabling environment for such investments.
“We will continue to prioritize agriculture in our budgetary process as part of the government’s efforts to eradicate hunger and build a prosperous future for Ekiti State,” he added.
In his remarks, Seyi Aiyeleso, the Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms Ltd, outlined the farm’s impressive growth trajectory. Initially established on 102 hectares in 2022, the farm has now expanded to over 2,000 hectares, with plans to reach 100,000 hectares by 2032.
Aiyeleso revealed that the farm is growing several cassava varieties, including TME 419, Ayaya, White Lion, and Dixon, with plans to introduce more species in the near future.
Aiyeleso emphasized the farm’s role in contributing to the country’s food security while also fostering job creation and local economic development.
“The farm, which recorded the highest yield per hectare in Nigeria with 25 tons per hectare in 2024, is working towards a target of 40 tons per hectare in 2025, with longer-term goals of achieving 50 to 100 tons per hectare.”
The success of the farm, according to Aiyeleso, is attributed to its advanced mechanization. The farm operates with 26 tractors, ranging from 75HP to 275HP, and over 40 ploughing implements, planters, and other equipment.
Despite the high level of mechanisation, Aiyeleso noted that human capital remains a vital part of the farm’s operations, making up 30% of the workforce to ensure balanced productivity.
Aiyeleso also spoke about Agbeyewa’s commitment to its host community, which has benefited from the farm’s Ingrown Scheme Programme. This initiative leases land from local farmers and guarantees them premium prices for their products, thereby ensuring that community members gain maximum profits.
“Our work is not just about farming; it’s about community empowerment. We are building Agbeyewa Town, which will include hostels, processing facilities, and farm resorts to accommodate visitors,” he said.
The farm’s Director of Community Engagement, Dauda Lawal, also highlighted the improved security situation in the area. “Thanks to collaborative efforts with local security agencies. Once known for its security challenges, the Ipao-Ekiti community has become one of the safest in the state, which has further encouraged the farm’s growth.”
