Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has underscored agriculture as the most sustainable solution to Nigeria’s economic challenges, including unemployment, food insecurity, and poverty.
The governor highlighted that his administration has deliberately prioritised agriculture as a tool to drive wealth creation, youth empowerment, and economic growth in the state.
Governor Oyebanji made the remarks last Thursday while receiving Michel Deelen, the Consul General of the Netherlands, and his team at his office in Ado Ekiti. He stated that since the inception of his administration, concerted efforts have been made to reposition the agricultural sector through youth-focused programmes and modern farming initiatives. He noted that through the State’s “Bring Back Youth Into Agriculture” initiative, over 5,000 young people have been engaged in various aspects of agribusiness.
“I believe strongly that for a people or a country to develop, especially in Nigeria, given God’s resources, land, and human capital, if we get agriculture right, we will solve at least 60% of our problems. We will solve the problem of food insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and even insecurity itself. So when we came into office, I was deliberate about our intervention in the agricultural sector and we are one of the few states, I can beat my chest and tell you that within two years, we pulled off the streets 5,000 youths to agriculture and you can verify this,” the governor asserted.
Commending the Netherlands for its global leadership and expertise in agriculture, Governor Oyebanji expressed Ekiti State’s readiness to collaborate with the European nation to enhance productivity, accelerate the ongoing agricultural revolution, and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic growth.
Michel Deelen, the Consul General of the Netherlands, praised the State Government for transforming agriculture into a major driver of economic growth and youth empowerment. He noted that the ongoing agricultural initiatives have positioned Ekiti as one of the most promising states in Nigeria. Deelen also expressed the Netherlands’ readiness to partner with Ekiti in areas such as agricultural technology, irrigation, capacity building, and value chain development, offering knowledge exchange, investment promotion, and innovative farming systems to strengthen the state’s agricultural base.
