Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the sum of N300 million for the boosting of poultry farming in the state.
Mr Oyebanji said this at the profit distribution ceremony for Cohort 2 of the Ekiti State Broilers’ Production Scheme(EBOPS) held in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.
The governor said that the target of his administration was to solidify the production base of the poultry farming, to be able to produce about 90,000 birds per cycle and create wealth.
Mr Oyebanji, represented by the deputy governor, Monisade Afuye, said that the scheme, which started with a profit base of N19.4 million in Cohort 1, has now increased to N77 million in Cohort 2.
He said that the programme has demonstrated that agriculture was not only about feeding the nation, but about creating wealth and empowering populace.
The governor was upbeat that the Cohort 3, which is the next phase of the scheme, would recruit additional 200 young participants to consolidate the state’s agro-industrial development.
He was optimistic that the new investment would bolster creation of more poultry production clusters across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“Today, I am delighted to note that over 250,000 broilers have been successfully raised and over 250 youths 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 N300 million for the expansion of the scheme and the establishment of new clusters across the three senatorial districts”, he said.
Mr Oyebanji commended the youth farmers for their zeal to boost food security status of the state, saying their innovation was setting the state on a faster pace of economic prosperity.
“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.
“Agriculture remains central to our economic transformation agenda. We will continue to support initiatives that bring dignity, income and hope to our young people,” Mr Oyebanji stated.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Ebenezer Boluwade, said that the programme was to celebrate youths’ investment in poultry farming.
(NAN)
