Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday launched the “Harvesting Hope Caravan,” a new initiative designed to boost food security and agricultural development in the state.
The governor also signed a landmark insurance policy for Ekiti farmers, a move aimed at protecting them against the financial risks of natural disasters.
The launch event, held in Ado-Ekiti, saw Oyebanji honoured with the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM) award, recognising him as a champion of the policy in the Southwest region.
He dedicated the award to President Bola Tinubu and the NAPM for their recognition of Ekiti State’s efforts in agricultural development.
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The “Harvesting Hope Caravan” is a component of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on a grassroots, bottom-up approach to strengthen agricultural development.
Oyebanji stated that the programme is in line with his administration’s 6-Pillar agenda, which prioritises economic development and poverty alleviation.
“We are very proud to associate with the agriculture policy of the Federal Government as we share the same policy objectives,” Oyebanji said.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is in tandem with the 6-Pillars of our Administration. Hence, the need to ensure that Ekiti people collaborate and benefit from the Federal Government’s interventions.”
The newly signed insurance policy is expected to provide critical support to farmers in the event of crop loss due to natural disasters.
This, according to the governor, will give farmers a greater sense of security and encourage increased investment in agriculture.
Oyebanji highlighted his administration’s significant investments in the agricultural sector since taking office, including the free distribution of fertilisers in 2024 and a 50% subsidy on fertilisers in 2025.
He also mentioned the clearing of 4,800 hectares of land for communities and cooperatives at no cost, and a 50% subsidy on tractorization for over 6,000 hectares.
The governor also lauded the partnership with YSJ Farms Limited, which has led to the participation of over 5,000 young farmers in a project to “Bring Back the Youths into agriculture.”
This initiative includes the construction of “Renewed Hope Farm dormitories” to provide accommodation for young farmers.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Presidential Food Security Coordinating Unit, Marion Moon, praised the Ekiti State Government’s commitment to agricultural development.
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She stated that the team’s visit was part of a wider effort to identify and strengthen agricultural value chains in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, expressed his gratitude to the governor for the insurance policy, noting that it would “engender farmers to get necessary support in case of natural disaster.”
