Ekiti govt approves N136.2m for construction of dormitories in farm settlement

The Ekiti State Government has approved the sum of ₦136.2 million for the construction of three buildings and dormitories at the Gede Farm Settlement in the Oye Local Government Area of the state.

The Gede Farm Settlement, with a total land size of over 4,000 hectares, was one of the settlements established by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, during the defunct Western Region.

The government said the approval is part of the efforts of the Oyebanji-led administration to strengthen agricultural development, restore life and activities to farm settlements, and create new ones as conceptualised by the late sage.

This was announced in a statement issued by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, who said it was approved during the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

He explained that the project forms part of the government’s broader strategy to revitalise agricultural facilities and promote rural development.

According to the statement, the construction project aligns with the administration’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector, which remains one of the key pillars of the state’s development agenda.

Olatunbosun said the state government has, over the years, maintained a strong focus on agriculture and rural development, noting that sustained investments in the sector have helped to lay a solid foundation for inclusive socio-economic growth and shared prosperity across the state.

He stated that several initiatives introduced by the government to boost agricultural productivity, especially the ‘Bring Back Our Youths in Agriculture’ programme, have been impactful and transformative, earning commendation from stakeholders and development partners across the country.

“As part of the ongoing efforts to consolidate the gains already recorded in the agricultural sector, the government has resolved to reconstruct three of the twenty abandoned and dilapidated buildings located within the Gede Farm Settlement,” the statement said.

The commissioner explained that the rehabilitation and development of the facilities are expected to revitalise activities within the settlement, provide improved infrastructure for young farmers and agricultural workers, and enhance the overall productivity of the farm settlement.

He added that the project would also help improve living and working conditions for farmers operating in the area while creating a more conducive environment for agribusiness and agricultural investment.

According to the government, the construction will be executed through direct labour and is scheduled to be completed within six months.

The initiative, Olatunbosun said, further demonstrates the commitment of the Ekiti State Government to strengthening agricultural infrastructure, promoting rural development, and expanding sustainable opportunities for farmers and agribusiness operators across the state.

He reaffirmed the government’s determination to continue investing in programmes and infrastructure that would boost food production, improve rural livelihoods, and accelerate economic growth in the state.