In a significant step toward revitalizing agriculture and empowering young farmers, the Governor of Ekiti State has laid the foundation for the Renewed Hope Dormitory at the Eporo Emure Farm Settlement.
This initiative is part of the Bring Back Our Youth in Agriculture project, aimed at increasing youth participation in farming and enhancing food security.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Yemisi Joluwe, Managing Director and CEO of YSJ Ltd—one of the state’s key partners in agricultural development—praised the Governor’s dedication.
She highlighted the project’s progress since its launch last year across seven local government areas, emphasizing the Governor’s hands-on approach, which included four site visits in 2024. Many of these locations initially lacked road access, but infrastructure improvements followed his interventions.
“The Governor’s commitment is remarkable. He listened to the youth and promised to provide dormitories at project sites to support their efforts. Today, that promise is becoming a reality,” Joluwe stated.
Five dormitories have been approved for construction in Ado, Aramoko, Ikere, Eporo, and Yemero. However, plans for Oke Ako were dropped due to a lack of community cooperation.
Despite receiving ₦140 million in compensation, some individuals returned to the land, performed traditional rites, and incite unrest, forcing the government to abandon the project in that area.
“This was an opportunity for Oke Ako to be on the map for development, but the lack of community cooperation stalled progress,” Joluwe lamented.
The foundation-laying ceremony attracted key dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Hon. Monisade Afuye, who represented the Governor; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture; traditional rulers; and youth representatives.
Emphasizing the dormitories’ strategic role in agricultural development, Boluwade stated, “These facilities will provide a conducive environment for young farmers to live and work on-site, increasing productivity and food output in Ekiti State.”
Deputy Governor Afuye described the initiative as a long-term vision to make agriculture more attractive and sustainable for young people. “This project is a symbol of progress and unity. We are investing in our youth, our economy, and our future,” she said.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security before the official laying of the foundation stone.
With this initiative, Ekiti State is making a bold push to reposition agriculture as a viable career path for young people while addressing food security challenges.
