News in brief:
– The Federal Government collaborates with Ekiti State and Agbeyewa Farm to boost food production, wealth creation, and job opportunities.
– Minister Abubakar Kyari affirms commitment to supporting agricultural investments for Nigeria’s food security goals.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to collaborating with the Ekiti State government and Agbeyewa Farm to boost food production, create wealth, and improve livelihoods.
During his visit to the 10,000-hectare Agbeyewa Farms Limited in Ipao-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area, Kyari emphasised that the farm’s initiatives align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for sustained food security. He lauded the Founder of Agbeyewa Farms, John Olajide, for investing in the state’s large-scale food production and economic development.
“I have seen similar facilities elsewhere, but this is what it truly means to advance food security and agro-allied industries,” Kyari stated, acknowledging the significant impact of Agbeyewa Farm. He emphasised that ensuring market access for these products is crucial in generating income for farmers beyond food production and processing.
The minister assured that the Tinubu-led administration would strengthen partnerships to facilitate agricultural productivity, food accessibility, and job creation. He also addressed challenges faced by farmers in transporting their produce to markets, pledging government intervention to enhance logistics and efficiency in the agricultural value chain.
Commitment to agricultural transformation in Ekiti
Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, revealed that the state is aiming to double its cassava production from 2,000,000 metric tons to 4,000,000 metric tons by 2026. He reiterated the government’s dedication to attracting private and public sector investments to revolutionise agriculture in Ekiti.
Boluwade highlighted that Ekiti’s agro-trading sector stores thousands of metric tons of maize, rice, and beans, which has helped mitigate food inflation. He called for federal government support to position Ekiti as a key agricultural hub in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Agbeyewa Farms/ Managing Director Seyi Aiyeleso outlined the company’s plans to become Africa’s leading agro-allied enterprise. He noted that Agbeyewa aims to operate on over 10,000 hectares by 2026 with full community support.
The farm is also setting up a 26-hectare agro-processing plant to produce high-quality cassava derivatives such as flour, starch, sorghum, ethanol, and electricity. Inspired by Mauritius-based Omnicane, Agbeyewa Farms is working towards generating power from cassava processing, further driving economic and energy sustainability.
Kyari expressed confidence in Agbeyewa Farm’s model, stating that its success story would be presented to President Tinubu to explore further support and investment opportunities. He commended the efforts made in just two years and encouraged other stakeholders to replicate such initiatives.
The minister concluded that the federal government remains committed to policies and collaborations that will drive Nigeria’s agricultural sector forward, ensuring food security, wealth creation, and economic empowerment for Nigerians.
