The Ekiti State Government has called for deeper collaboration among key stakeholders to accelerate agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable development across the state.
The call was made by Special Adviser/Director-General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, and Chairman of the Agric-MEAL Team, John Ekundayo, in Ado-Ekiti during the second quarter engagement meeting of the committee, stressing that coordinated efforts remain critical to achieving food security and expanding agribusiness opportunities.
He noted that synergy among government institutions, farmers, private sector players and development partners is essential to unlocking the full potential of the agricultural sector and driving inclusive economic growth in the state.
The Agric-MEAL Committee, established in 2025 by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, is mandated to strengthen monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning within the agricultural sector, ensuring that government interventions deliver measurable impact and value for money.
Ekundayo commended members of the committee for their commitment, attributing the progress recorded so far to a shared determination to reposition agriculture as a major economic pillar in Ekiti State.
He also lauded the Oyebanji administration for its strategic focus on strengthening agricultural value chains, improving farmers’ access to inputs and promoting policies that are already yielding positive outcomes in productivity and food security.
According to him, the government’s emphasis on accountability and sustainable agricultural practices has ensured that interventions are not only impactful but also directly beneficial to citizens, while creating pathways for job creation and increased private sector participation.
Ekundayo further expressed confidence that ongoing reforms would continue to improve livelihoods and attract greater investment into agribusiness across the state.
The meeting also featured tributes to a late committee member, Segun Ajibola, whose contributions to the sector were described as invaluable and deeply impactful.
In separate remarks, stakeholders highlighted key areas for growth, with Adetunji Aribasoye calling for increased youth participation through the repositioning of agriculture as a profitable and technology-driven venture.
Similarly, Adebiyi Ojo underscored the need to scale up the development of tree crops such as cocoa, oil palm and cashew through improved seedlings, climate-smart practices and enhanced access to financing.
Also contributing virtually, Solomon Ayodeji Ekundayo outlined strategies for sustainable livestock development, noting that the sub-sector holds significant potential for job creation and economic expansion in Ekiti State.
The engagement reinforced the state government’s commitment to building a resilient agricultural sector capable of supporting food systems, driving economic growth and improving the livelihoods of its people.
