The Ondo State Government has disbursed over ₦23.5 million to youths and women under its modern poultry farming initiative, as part of efforts to expand agribusiness and reduce unemployment across the state.
The beneficiaries were drawn from participants of the Adiye Irorun Programme, an ongoing agricultural scheme designed to provide sustainable livelihoods for young people and women through poultry production.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Chairman of the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC), Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola, who said the programme aligns with the ‘OUR EASE’ agenda of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
According to Akinsola, the initiative is structured as a strategic empowerment model focused on improving socio-economic conditions by equipping participants with practical skills and income opportunities in agribusiness.
“The programme operates across the three senatorial districts of the state, with established centres in each district to ensure inclusivity and accessibility,” he said, adding that several participants had already benefitted from earlier cycles.
He explained that each cycle runs for six weeks, during which participants receive intensive training in poultry production, supported with essential inputs such as chicks, feed, medication and technical guidance.
“Ninety youths and women have benefitted from the programme. In the first cycle of the programme, N8.5 million was disbursed to 50 participants, while in the second cycle, over N15 million will be disbursed to 40 participants, with cheques to be presented to them on Tuesday,” Akinsola stated.
He noted that participants undergo a structured process involving screening, selection, training and hands-on practical experience at designated farm centres.
At the end of each cycle, the birds are sold, production costs are recovered by the government, and profits are shared among participants.
“This model ensures sustainability while directly empowering beneficiaries with both income and practical skills,” he added.
Akinsola further stated that the Ondo North centre, located at Isuada ABC Farm, has completed its second cycle, while the Ondo South centre in Ore has completed its first cycle and commenced the second. The Ondo Central centre is yet to begin operations.
