The Renewed Hope farm settlement initiative of President Bola Tinubu has been commended by the Ekiti State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, saying the initiative is encouraging more people to go into farming.
Governor Oyebanji also described the initiative as being outstanding on the strength of involving technology for agricultural planning and innovation to attract youth as well as partnership with firms to ensure that Ekiti contributes to food production and food surplus that can guarantee security in the country.
The governor spoke while commissioning the Farm Dormitory located at Eporo Ekiti, in Emure local government area being part of activities to mark the third anniversary of his administration.
He also commissioned the ones built at Iyemero and Ikere Ekiti, targeted at increasing food production and bringing down food prices in the state.
The revival of three of the six Renewed Hope Farm Dormitories built for young farmers in different farm clusters in the state was designed to boost food production.
Represented by his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, the governor said, besides reviving the moribund farm settlements built by the administration of the Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, that another 13 had been created to give comfort to the youth farmers in their farming areas.
He said with the farm dormitory project, the rural economy can be stimulated, especially with modular irrigation provided to make all the youth farmers to work round the year and secure their future through financial gains that can support their families.
“Today, the dormitories we are commissioning in Eporo, Emure and Iyemero are built to provide convenient abodes, so that the youth farmers can enjoy the comfort of the city and they won’t be distracted from their main focus.
“As of now, about 5,000 youths have been employed through this initiative. The rural economy has been stimulated while our youths are now more than ready to go into farming.
“We are not unaware of the activities of the unscrupulous elements who wanted to sabotage our efforts. I am assuring you that I will work with security agencies to secure all the farm settlements, so that you can work and live here without any harassment or fear of being kidnapped”.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, said the building at Eporo Ekiti can take about 200 farmers and have facilities like solar power lights and generating sets to ensure regular supply of light and water that can offer the required comfort.
