Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has said his administration’s agricultural initiatives are playing a key role in reducing crime and driving socio-economic development in rural communities.
Mr Oyebanji who spoke at the official launch of the Odu’a Agro-Industrial Hub and the flag-off of the SWAgCo-BATNF Sustainable Development of Maize Micro-Enterprise Farmers Project in Oke-Ako reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strategic agricultural interventions as a means of economic transformation and social stability.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo, the governor noted that the state’s efforts in the agricultural sector over the past two and a half years had recorded meaningful progress.
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He lauded the collaboration between the Southwest Agric Company (SWAgCo) and the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), describing it as a crucial step toward empowering young people and strengthening food security.
According to Mr Oyebanji, agricultural schemes in Ekiti, particularly in areas such as the Agric Processing Zone, have not only provided employment but also contributed to curbing criminal activity.
“We currently have about 5,000 participants in our ‘Bring Back the Youths into Agriculture’ programme,” he said, noting that initial hesitation among youths had given way to enthusiasm following the financial success of early harvests in Erinfun, Ado Ekiti.
The governor further disclosed that the current maize farming initiative, which began with 100 farmers, is expected to expand to thousands as it progresses.
Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company, Abdulrahman Yinusa, said the maize project reflects the power of partnerships among committed institutions.
He described the Oke-Ako agro-industrial hub as a fully integrated agricultural centre that connects all stakeholders in the value chain, from land preparation and input supply to processing, storage, and logistics.
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SWAgCo Chairman, Owolabi Salami, highlighted the hub’s role as a central ecosystem designed to support every player in the agricultural chain.
BAT Nigeria’s General Manager, Olúdáre Odusanya also stressed the project’s goal of empowering smallholder farmers with high-yield, climate-resilient maize seeds, agronomic training, extension services, financial backing, and access to markets.
The initiative is expected to not only boost local food production but also foster inclusive growth, enhance rural livelihoods, and ensure sustainable development across the state.
