The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Friday announced the approval of N300 million to boost poultry farming and create wealth for hundreds of young people in the state. The governor explained that the main goal of his administration is to strengthen the poultry farming base in Ekiti State to enable the production of at least 90,000 birds per cycle, creating more jobs and generating wealth for residents.
Governor Oyebanji made this known at the profit distribution ceremony for Cohort 2 of the Ekiti State Broilers’ Production Scheme (EBOPS), held at Jibowu Hall, Government House Ground, Ado Ekiti. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, the governor revealed that the scheme had grown significantly since its inception. He said, “The scheme, which started with a profit base of N19.4 million in Cohort 1, has now spiralled to a sum of N77 million in Cohort 2.”
Oyebanji described the progress as a major economic success that would bring more development to Ekiti. He added that agriculture was not only about feeding the nation but also a strong tool for wealth creation and youth empowerment. The governor also disclosed plans for Cohort 3, the next phase of the programme, which will recruit an additional 200 young participants to raise 90,000 birds per cycle as part of efforts to boost the state’s agro-industrial growth.
The governor stated, “Today, I am delighted to note that over 250,000 broilers have been successfully raised and over 250 youth have benefitted from the programme, who are direct beneficiaries, let alone the ancillary beneficiaries. As part of our commitment to sustain and expand this impact, I have approved N300m for the expansion of the scheme and the establishment of new clusters across the three senatorial districts.”
Oyebanji commended the youth farmers for their efforts in promoting food security and driving the state toward economic growth. He said, “To our participants, you are the face of a new Ekiti, who are innovative, industrious, and future-oriented. I urge you to reinvest your profit wisely, build sustainable agribusiness, and mentor others who aspire to follow your footsteps.”
The governor emphasized that agriculture remained central to his administration’s economic agenda and promised continuous support for initiatives that promote dignity, income, and opportunities for young people. He added that the new N300 million investment would boost poultry production clusters across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, described the programme as a significant step forward for Ekiti youth and the agricultural sector. He noted that the government had renovated six poultry pens across the state to support the scheme, with plans to establish more for future use. Boluwade said, “Since 2023 that we started, a total of 160,000 broilers have been produced with a target of 250,000 and more. Agriculture is central to the policy thrust of this government. I want to salute the poultry farmers for their dedication and sense of patriotism. You can now see that there is dignity in farming.”
Boluwade added that the rapid progress of the scheme shows Ekiti State’s determination to join the league of leading states in poultry farming and agribusiness development. The initiative aligns with the broader goal of creating job opportunities and improving the local economy.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Babatunde Fawekun, praised the programme as a masterstroke and a demonstration of Oyebanji’s commitment to making agriculture the foundation of the state’s economy. Fawekun explained that the governor had also included the broilers’ farming scheme in the 2026 appropriation bill, with a proposed increase in funding for the agricultural sector. He said, “This shows the seriousness and commitment of the administration toward sustaining this great initiative that supports farmers and empowers our youth.”
In her remarks, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Poultry Association, Mrs. Mary Olotu, expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for reviving poultry businesses that had become inactive before his intervention. She stated, “Many of the participants had their businesses waned and moribund before the governor stepped in to resuscitate their dead investments.” She urged farmers in the state to continue supporting the governor’s second-term ambition to sustain ongoing projects across different sectors.
One of the programme’s participants, Mr. Femi Fagbemi, shared his experience and thanked the governor for what he called a “landmark initiative.” He explained that the scheme had helped to revive many struggling poultry farms and provided new opportunities for young entrepreneurs. Fagbemi added, “This programme has helped to remove many youths from the unemployment market. I appeal to the government to establish more poultry pens to expand production and accommodate more farmers.”
(This news publication has been updated)
