The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has revived the Farm Settlements initiative in the state by commissioning three farm dormitories under the Renewed Hope initiative. He assured that the state government will take firm steps to stop the activities of criminals attempting to undermine his food production policy.
Governor Oyebanji, who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for encouraging farming through his national policy, vowed to tackle what he described as “unscrupulous elements and criminally minded individuals” determined to sabotage his agricultural efforts and make farming unsafe in the state.
The governor spoke during the commissioning of the Farm Dormitory located at Eporo Ekiti in Emure Local Government Area on Wednesday, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration. Similar farm dormitories were also commissioned in Iyemero and Ikere Ekiti, with the goal of increasing food production and reducing the rising cost of food across the state.
Represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Oyebanji said the initiative was part of efforts to revive the moribund farm settlements originally built by the administration of the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. According to him, “Another 13 new farm settlements have been created to give comfort to the youth farmers in their farming areas.”
He described the Renewed Hope farm settlements as unique, saying they incorporate technology-driven agricultural planning and innovation designed to attract young people into farming. He added that the state government was partnering with private firms to ensure Ekiti contributes significantly to national food production and achieve food security.
“With this project, the rural economy can be stimulated, especially with modular irrigation provided to make all the youth farmers work all year round,” Oyebanji said. “This will help them secure their future through financial gains that can support their families.”
Speaking further, he explained that the new dormitories would provide comfort for young farmers, enabling them to focus fully on their agricultural work. “Today, the dormitories we are commissioning in Eporo, Emure, and Iyemero are built to provide convenient abode, so that the youth farmers can enjoy the comfort of the city and won’t be distracted from their main focus,” the governor said.
He disclosed that about 5,000 youths have been employed through the initiative, which has also boosted the rural economy. “We are not unaware of the activities of the unscrupulous elements who wanted to sabotage our efforts. I am assuring you that I will work with security agencies to secure all the farm settlements, so that you can work and live here without any harassment or fear of being kidnapped,” he added.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, explained that the farm dormitory at Eporo Ekiti can accommodate about 200 farmers. He added that the facility is equipped with solar power lights and generating sets to provide a steady electricity supply, ensuring comfort for the youth farmers.
Boluwade revealed that about 300 hectares of land have been allocated to youth farmers in Eporo Ekiti, which has significantly reduced the cases of kidnapping and banditry that were once common in the area. To further support the agricultural transformation, the Commissioner announced plans to establish an Agric Transformation Centre worth over N20 million at Emure-Eporo axis.
According to him, the centre will include modern facilities for poultry, pet houses, and other farming activities aimed at boosting production and adding value to the state’s agricultural economy. He urged young farmers to make the best use of the opportunity provided by the government, noting that achieving food security in Ekiti remains a top priority of the current administration.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of YSJ Farms, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Joluwe, revealed that youth farmers under the firm’s supervision had recorded remarkable profits. “Between 2024 and now, our youth farmers made a profit margin of N800 million, and efforts are on to increase it to N1 billion before the end of the 2025 farming season,” she said.
Mrs. Joluwe praised Governor Oyebanji for his leadership and commitment to promoting commercial farming and youth employment in the state. She stated that the firm made a profit of N138 million in 2024 while operating in only three local government areas. “We have now expanded to 13 local governments, and our profit margin has grown to N800 million. We are confident that before the end of this year, we will close above N1 billion in profit,” she explained.
She added that the partnership between the state government and YSJ Farms has transformed food production in Ekiti State, making it one of the few states with the lowest food inflation rate in Nigeria, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. “Today’s occasion is more than just the commissioning of a building; it is a celebration of vision, leadership, and partnership — the kind that transforms communities, empowers young people, and builds a better tomorrow,” she said.
Mrs. Joluwe, however, expressed concern over security challenges affecting young farmers, urging the governor to strengthen protection around farm settlements. “While we commend the ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture, we must not overlook some of the challenges faced by our young farmers. Insecurity has made many of them hesitant to return to their farms. We appeal to His Excellency to address these concerns swiftly, so that the youth farmers can continue their noble work with confidence, safety, and pride,” she said.
The Elemure of Emure Ekiti, Oba James Babatunde Ajiboye, also commended the governor for his innovative steps toward revitalizing the agricultural sector in the state. He described the initiative as “a masterstroke that will revamp the sector and restore the confidence of farmers.”
“Before now, nobody could come to this axis because of the fear of kidnappers. You have succeeded in turning a dangerous zone into a zone of success,” the monarch stated. “All of you should go and get your voter cards. We will return votes that had never been witnessed in Emure Ekiti since 1999. We are grateful that you have restored orderliness here.”
A representative of the youth farmers, Mr. Olanrewaju Saliu, expressed appreciation to the governor for the various projects executed in the Eporo-Emure area, including cluster farming, the establishment of a health centre, and the renovation of schools. He assured that the youth farmers would reciprocate the government’s gesture in the next election.
Saliu also commended the governor for ensuring security around the farm areas, noting that the establishment of a military post near the dormitory and farming sites had boosted farmers’ confidence. “The governor has been fair to Eporo-Emure through several developmental projects. The siting of a military post close to our farms will change the face of farming in the state and turn Ekiti into a food basket of Nigeria,” he said.
Governor Oyebanji’s administration has continued to emphasize food security, youth employment, and economic growth through strategic agricultural investment. The revived farm settlements and newly built dormitories under the Renewed Hope initiative are expected to create more employment opportunities, reduce rural-urban migration, and strengthen the state’s contribution to national food supply.
The commissioning of these farm dormitories in Eporo, Emure, Iyemero, and Ikere marks another milestone in Ekiti State’s effort to modernize agriculture, improve rural livelihoods, and achieve food self-sufficiency, while ensuring that farming becomes a profitable and secure venture for the younger generation.