The Office of the Farm Settlement in Ekiti State has been given a facelift following the completion of extensive rehabilitation works.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Farm Settlement, Mr. Adewole Temitope Matthew, expressed gratitude to the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his prompt intervention.
According to him, a windstorm some time ago blew off the roof of the office and damaged several properties. The incident was immediately reported to the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, through the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Babatope Ojo. The Commissioner, working with the Permanent Secretary, responded swiftly by mobilizing the relevant authorities, and repairs commenced without delay.
“In the course of the rehabilitation, YSJ Investments, a key player in Ekiti’s agricultural sector, observed the commitment of the State Government and volunteered to support the renovation of the Farm Settlement office. They also donated 3 motorcycles to ease farm operations,” Mr. Adewole stated.
In a pleasant development, the management of YSJ Investments today paid an unscheduled visit to the Farm Settlement office. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize with our operations and to appreciate the good work being done by the Farm Settlement and the State Government. They noted that the Farm Settlement has consistently supported their business, and their intervention was a way of giving back.
The SSA further disclosed that the State Government has approved the construction of three buildings and dormitories at Igede Farm Settlement in Oye Local Government Area.
He noted that Igede Farm Settlement, which spans over 4,000 hectares, was one of the settlements established by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, during the defunct Western Region.
“The approval has been secured and work has commenced. This is part of the efforts of the Oyebanji-led administration to strengthen agricultural development, restore activities to farm settlements, and establish new ones in line with the vision of the founding fathers,” he said. He assured that the project would be closely monitored to ensure quality delivery.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Farm Settlement, Mr. Kolade Osundun, commended the Biodun Oyebanji administration for recording what he described as “unprecedented milestones” in the history of farm settlements in the state.
He applauded the government’s initiative of partnering with private investors such as YSJ Investments, which has complemented government efforts.
“Government cannot do it alone. This is the kind of partnership we encourage other investors to emulate,” Mr. Osundun said.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Adewole Temitope, on behalf of the Farm Settlement, thanked His Excellency, the Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji; the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade; the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Babatope Ojo; and YSJ Investments, led by Mrs. Yemisi Joluwe, for their support, collaboration, and commitment to the growth of agriculture in Ekiti State.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Mr. Ajibade Leke, Director of Farm Settlement, other Directors, Farm Managers, and all staff working for the progress of the Agency and in liaison with YSJ Investments.
