The Ekiti State Government has approved a total of N1.644 billion for several agricultural initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and supporting farmers in the state.
This was disclosed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, during a press briefing on Wednesday in Ado Ekiti.
A major highlight of the approval is N1.102 billion earmarked for the construction of dormitories, known as the Renewed Hope halls of residence, for farmers in various farm clusters across the state.
The dormitories, designed to accommodate up to 50 farmers each, will be built in Oke-Ako, Ikere, Emure/Eporo, Iyemero, and Aramoko. The contracts for the construction of these dormitories have been awarded to Joshua Beckley Limited, Onalar Farms Agro Allied Limited, and Samuel Animawun Limited.
According to Olatunbosun, this initiative is part of the current administration’s commitment to transforming the agriculture sector and creating an enabling environment for youths interested in farming.
“This is move is to ensure that our farmers, particularly the youth, have the facilities and support they need to thrive in their agricultural endeavors,” he said.
In addition to the dormitory projects, the state government has awarded a N392.5 million contract for the construction of trenches around various farm clusters to prevent soil erosion, flooding, and protect farmlands from damage by cattle and other animals.
The trenches will also facilitate irrigation, boosting crop yields across the state.
The selected farm clusters for the trenches include Oke-Ako, Ado, Emure, Aramoko, Ise, Ikere, and Gede.
Furthermore, the Ekiti government has approved N150 million for the mechanization of farming activities across the state.
This move is expected to enhance productivity, expand cultivated areas, and drive rural economic growth by making farm equipment more accessible to farmers.
It will also support legacy farmers in expanding their farm sizes despite the rising costs of land preparation.
As part of the decisions made at the meeting, the government also approved N169.3 million for the renovation of the Ayo Fasanmi Model Building in Ado Ekiti, which had been temporarily closed due to structural defects.
The renovation is expected to prevent further deterioration and is slated for completion within six weeks.
