Ikole-Ekiti: The Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State has initiated the sale of 20,000 oil palm and cocoa seedlings to local farmers. The flag-off ceremony took place at the local government secretariat in Ikole-Ekiti.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Chairman of the Local Government, Mr. Bayo Omojola, stated that 10,000 oil palm seedlings and 10,000 cocoa seedlings would be available to farmers at a subsidized price. This initiative aims to support the food security program of Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration. Omojola emphasized the government's commitment to agricultural development as a means to empower youths and deliver democratic dividends to grassroots communities.
Omojola highlighted that the seedlings would be offered to farmers and residents at a price lower than the market rate. Additionally, the government plans to provide farmers with various farm inputs, while aged women in the area would receive cash gifts. He urged beneficiaries to utilize the seedlings and farm implements effectively in their agricultural endeavors and encouraged youth participation in agriculture, particularly in the profitable oil palm and cocoa sectors.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, praised the chairman for his efforts to empower farmers and reduce unemployment among youth. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Olumide Aribisala, Aribasoye noted the local government's initiative to cultivate oil palm and cocoa seedlings as a commendable effort to create wealth through agriculture.
The State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Folorunso Olabode, also commended the chairman and his management team. He encouraged further investment in food production and youth empowerment through agriculture at the grassroots level, urging beneficiaries to make productive use of the farm implements to enhance their agricultural output.
Olufemi Olatunji, the Head of Administration in the Local Government, stated that the beneficiaries were farmers who are indigenes of the council, selected from various communities and wards based on their dedication to agricultural development. He advised them to leverage the seedlings to generate wealth for themselves and their families.
The traditional ruler, Onise of Odo-Oro Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Jemilehin, praised the chairman's initiative and offered prayers for wisdom in managing the council's affairs. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that 300 selected farmers were provided with sprayer machines, herbicides, cutlasses, files, treated maize seedlings, and rain boots, while 50 selected aged women received cash gifts at the event.