The lawmaker representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency I, Hon. Rufus Ojuawo, has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing agricultural development in Ekiti State, unveiling plans for a proposed Federal College of Agriculture and Forestry in Ise-Ekiti.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti while rendering his two-year stewardship in the House of Representatives, Ojuawo revealed that the bill establishing the institution has successfully passed through the House and now awaits concurrence from the Senate and presidential assent.
According to the retired Air Force officer, the new institution would play a pivotal role in transforming Ekiti into a national food production powerhouse by equipping young Nigerians with the technical skills needed to modernize agriculture.
“The establishment of Federal College of Agriculture and Forestry Ise-Ekiti is long overdue,” Ojuawo stated. “We are hoping and praying that once the bill is approved by the Senate, the President can assent to it so that we can have the institution here, knowing full well our mainstay in agriculture in this area.”
He added, “I am so passionate about the agriculture sector because I know the potential and economic values it will bring for our people and the land.”
Beyond the agriculture college bill, Ojuawo disclosed he had sponsored three other major legislative proposals in the last two years. These include an amendment to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) law to extend support to private institutions conducting research, and a welfare-focused bill for military veterans.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting grassroots development, the lawmaker noted the inclusion of ₦1 billion per lawmaker for constituency projects in the 2025 budget as a major boost.
“I want my constituency to be self-sufficient in the area of food production, hence my commitment and support for agricultural development through constant empowerment of farmers,” he said.
Highlighting some of his constituency achievements, Ojuawo pointed to the introduction of cluster farming in Ogbese and Ise-Ekiti, as well as the delivery of 768 50kg bags of fertilizer to local farmers.
In addition, he distributed key farming tools—including knapsack sprayers, hoes, wheelbarrows, rain boots, and reflective jackets—across all local government areas within his constituency.
Ojuawo also touched on interventions in education, health, rural infrastructure, capacity-building, and social welfare initiatives.
He assured residents that several impactful projects are lined up under the 2025 budget.
Looking ahead, the legislator called for continued support, especially from the youth, pledging to stay committed to delivering meaningful change.
He also praised the collaboration between National Assembly members and the Ekiti State Government, offering his full endorsement of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second-term bid.
“The governor has been a strong pillar in the last two years, and I remain resolute in my support for his second term. Our synergy is yielding good results for the people,” he concluded.
