Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has empowered young farmers with a N140 million grant to support their first harvest under the state’s “Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture” program.
This initiative, carried out in partnership with YSJ Farms Limited, supports youths from six farm clusters across the state and marks the first round of payouts tied to their harvests.
During a presentation ceremony held at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji underscored the urgency of addressing food shortages currently affecting both Nigeria and the global community.
He emphasized that the state government’s approach aims to enhance agricultural productivity as well as attract more youths to commercial farming.
The governor reassured the young farmers of ongoing plans to involve private investors in providing tractors for hire, a move designed to improve farming efficiency.
He explained that instead of purchasing tractors directly, the state government’s strategy focuses on creating an investor-friendly environment where tractors can be leased to farmers.
Governor Oyebanji also issued a stern warning to some individuals within the Ministry of Agriculture, urging them to desist from actions that could hinder progress in the sector.
He called for collective support to advance the government’s agricultural transformation agenda and achieve its food security goals.
In addition to the N140 million disbursed to youth farmers, the governor highlighted that the state government had injected N300 million into the local economy within the last two days as part of its commitment to wealth creation and shared prosperity.
Addressing the gathered farmers, he encouraged them to reinvest a portion of their earnings into the next farming season, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and the potential for favorable weather conditions in the coming year.
Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the financial assistance extended to the state, noting that the support has accelerated plans to establish Renewed Hope Farm settlements in all farm clusters across Ekiti.
Reflecting on a recent visit to Oke Ako, the governor mentioned that N160 million in compensation had been distributed to farmers whose lands were acquired six months ago.
He revealed that crops planted on the compensated land were already yielding harvests.