The Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola, has awarded 81 farmers across the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State a total of eleven point two million in cash prizes to promote agriculture and food production.
The overall best farmer, Mr. Sunday Osanyindoro, received a cash prize of two million naira while thirty youths received starter kits and cash gifts to support their entrepreneurial ventures.
The awards were presented during this year’s ABA-EX Agricultural Expo held at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.
Presenting the awards and empowerment packages to the beneficiaries, Aare Afe Babalola said the initiative was designed to encourage more people, particularly young Nigerians, to embrace agriculture as a viable means of livelihood.
The Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, said the university’s founder would continue to support initiatives aimed at promoting agriculture and empowering farmers across the country.
Professor Olarinde noted that the programme would help beneficiaries improve their productivity while contributing to food security and economic development.
Also speaking, the Local Organising Chairman of the expo, Professor Abiodun Ojo, urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the empowerment packages to increase food production, create wealth and become self-reliant.
The best farmer, Mr. Sunday Osanyindoro, appreciated Aare Afe Babalola for the gesture, saying the award would motivate him to further develop his agricultural business.
COV/Niyi
