The Ekiti State government has approved the sum of N2.2 billion for the continuation of land-clearing across different areas to ensure food security and economic development in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, who disclosed this on Thursday, said the approval was part of the decisions reached during the State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
He added that the administration is determined to empower youths in the state to embrace agriculture, especially mechanized farming. He noted that the project is expected to be completed in preparation for the planting season.
He stated that the allocated amount would be used to clear 1,300 hectares of land, “in a display of unwavering commitment to transforming Ekiti State’s agriculture sector.”
Olatunbosun said, “Following the successful land-clearing exercise carried out in 2024, the present administration, in a display of unwavering commitment to transforming Ekiti State’s agriculture sector, is poised to continue the exercise and further empower youths in agriculture across the state.
“Building on the progress made, the approval is to engage 13 vendors through direct labor, taking advantage of the current dry season to promptly execute the project and maximize its impact.
“The locations slated for clearing include: Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture project, Ose Emure; Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture project, Gede; Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture project, Iyemero; Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture project, Omuo Ekiti; Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture project, Egbe Ekiti; Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture project, Ayede Isan; Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture project, Ogotun Ekiti; Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture project, Ise Ekiti; Youth under Promise Point Partnership farms, Iyemero; Iyemero Farm Settlement; Gede Farm Settlement P.F.D, Gede; Eporo Farm Settlement, Eporo; and Gede Farm Settlement P.F.D.
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“The job is expected to be completed in three months to facilitate the planting of crops in the current year.”
The Commissioner added that the government has also approved the sum of N144.3 million for the purchase of customized working tools for youths in the ‘Bring Back Youth to Agriculture’ initiative, in a bid to enhance effective food production in the state.
“The customized tools include 902 packed customized raincoats, 902 packed customized rain boots, and other agricultural implements to support the participants,” he said.
The statement further noted that the government has approved the conversion of the College of Health Science and Technology, Ijero-Ekiti, from a monotechnic to a polytechnic.
It reads: “In response to requests from the management of the College of Health Science and Technology, Ijero-Ekiti, along with other stakeholders, that the college be converted from a monotechnic to a polytechnic, the State Government constituted an eight-man committee on March 15, 2024, to assess the request and provide recommendations.
“The committee subsequently submitted its report to Governor Biodun Oyebanji on December 30, 2024, and a White Paper Drafting Committee was later constituted to study the report and produce a draft White Paper for the consideration of the State Executive Council.
“Compared to a monotechnic, a polytechnic generally offers a broader range of technical programs, providing students with more diverse skills and career options, alongside a potentially more comprehensive theoretical foundation and practical training, making them better prepared for a wider range of employment opportunities in various technical fields.”
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