… reiterates commitment towards developing all sectors
…as Initiative trains 30 youths, establishes organic clubs across Ekiti Schools
The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji has showered encomium on Justice Development and Peace Initiative (JDPI) for promoting organic farming in the state.
Oyebanji made the remark on Tuesday at the 2023 Organic Agriculture Farmers Forum held in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
The project, in collaboration with Ekiti Organic Farmers Association, was supported by Misereor (IHR HILFSWERK).
Speaking at the annual forum tagged: “Organic Agriculture is a better way”, Oyebanji, represented by the commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in Ekiti State, Ebenezer Boluwade reiterated his commitment towards organic farming, which he described as the future of the state.
He emphasized on his commitment towards championing policies that will support food and security through agricultural development, incentives and trainings to empower farmers in Ekiti.
Ebenezer revealed that the Governor is committed to the welfare of the citizens through his efforts ranging from maximisation of livestock value chain through the world bank financed LPRES, projection of cluster farming, youth empowerment through poultry and horticulture and subsidized program on seeds and seedlings to promote the agricultural sector, which is the mainstay of the economy.
He commended JDPI and Sustainable Rural Development Project of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, and assured them that the Oyebanji-led administration will keep abreast the development of every sector in the state.
Ebenezer enjoined agriculturists to focus on certification and training activities as it is important in the market which will improve the traceability of the products, while also emphasising on product digitalisation to attract more consumers.
The organic project is targeted towards agriculturists in Ekiti State covering all the 16 local government areas in the state with it’s estimated period from August 2022 -July 2025.
Its primary goal is to contribute towards increasing food security in selected rural communities in the Diocese of Ekiti through improved practice of sustainable agriculture.
In his address of welcome, the JDPI Director, Reverend Father Emmanuel Akingbade, appreciated Governor Oyebanji for his warm reception towards the success of the program.
According to him, the Initiative can boast of the establishment of an organic farm with organic produce suitable for consumption as a result of the state government’s involvement.
He tasked the government for further assistance in the areas of establishing an organic village, provision of tractorization, grants for secondary school students, more organic clubs, among others.
He encouraged farmers, youths and organic clubs to utilise available supports and continue their joint projects such as cooperative, joint farming, nursery of seedlings in order to be self sufficient.
He noted that the Initiative had trained 30 youths in organic agriculture and the land allocated for the farming was able to rear organic agricultural products like tomato, cucumber and cabbage.
According to him, JDPI has also established organic clubs in 22 School in Ekiti State where the children and youths are trained early on how to become agents of positive change in the state.
Farmers from various local government and youths involved in the program were awarded cash prizes and gifts as gestures of encouragement.