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The Ekiti State Government has approved over ₦2.6bn to strengthen agricultural development and youth participation in farming under its Bring Back Our Youths to Agriculture (BBYA) programme.
The approval includes ₦1.5bn for land clearing and ₦1.1bn for the construction of warehouses across five locations in the state, as part of efforts to boost food production, enhance storage capacity, and reduce post-harvest losses.
The Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, noting that the intervention underscores the administration’s commitment to repositioning agriculture as a major economic driver.
Olatunbosun explained that the investment was designed to consolidate on existing gains recorded under the BBYA programme while expanding critical agricultural infrastructure across the state.
According to him, “The present administration is determined to consolidate on the gains already achieved under the BBYA programme and further position agriculture as a key driver of the state’s economy.
“The Oyebanji administration remains intentional about using agriculture as a tool for wealth creation, food security, and youth employment.
“The state is strengthening partnerships and providing a conducive environment, supported by infrastructure, to sustain long-term growth in the sector.”
He further clarified that issues surrounding a recent misunderstanding between some participating youths and the programme’s private partner, YSJ Farms Ltd, had been resolved amicably, assuring that the government remains fully committed to sustaining the partnership.
Olatunbosun said the administration had taken steps to strengthen the framework of the programme to ensure improved outcomes in subsequent farming cycles.
Addressing security concerns, he acknowledged a breach recorded in October last year but maintained that Ekiti remains one of the safest states in the country.
He stated, “The government will neither negotiate with criminals nor pay ransom to kidnappers, while continuing to strengthen its security architecture to address emerging threats.”
The commissioner noted that the BBYA programme is structured to empower young people, increase food production, and strengthen the agricultural value chain in the state.
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He said the initiative seeks to attract youths into farming by creating profitable opportunities, reduce unemployment through agribusiness engagement, and enhance food security.
Olatunbosun added that the programme also focuses on improving productivity through access to modern farming techniques, inputs, and mechanisation, while promoting partnerships with private sector players for sustainability.
He noted that value addition and improved market access for farm produce remain key priorities, as the government works to position agriculture as a viable and competitive career path for youths.
The commissioner further stated that agriculture has remained central to the administration’s development agenda since Governor Biodun Oyebanji assumed office in 2022.
He listed ongoing interventions to include the clearing of over 6,000 hectares of farmland for farmers and cooperatives, a 50 per cent subsidy on tractorisation to ease land preparation, and the establishment of about 100 farm clusters and 13 farm hubs aimed at supporting cooperative farming and boosting youth participation.
