The Ekiti State Government has set a target of engaging over 50,000 youths that will produce N50Billion worth of food under its Bring Back Our Youths to Agriculture (BBYA) programme by the year 2030.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, who disclosed this while featuring on an audience-participatory simulcast in Ado-Ekiti, explained that the BBYA programme, conceived by the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and launched in 2024, is aimed at empowering youths through sustainable wealth creation, job opportunities and enhanced food security.

Mr. Boluwade said the initiative was designed to transform agriculture into a profitable and attractive business venture for young people, positioning Ekiti State as a leading hub for youth-driven, commercially viable agribusiness in Nigeria.

According to him, the programme aligns with Governor Oyebanji’s Shared Prosperity Agenda, which continues to guide strategic investments in agricultural infrastructure, training, financing and market access across the value chain.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to collaborating with key financial institutions, including the Bank of Agriculture (BoA), to provide accessible funding and credit support for young farmers, noting that such collaborations are critical to ensuring sustainability and scaling participation in the programme.

“These partnerships are designed to help participants expand their operations, reinvest profits and transition from supported farming to independent agribusiness ownership, while reducing the financial barriers that often discourage youth participation in agriculture,” he said.

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Urging farmers to embrace dry-season farming, Boluwade described year-round agricultural production as essential to increasing yields, stabilizing food supply and boosting farmers’ income, stressing that Ekiti farmers are well positioned to produce beyond the rainy season through irrigation facilities, mechanization and technical support provided by the government.

He highlighted the recent disbursement of ₦1 billion in profits to 4,567 BBYA participants as a major milestone, describing it as a significant improvement over the ₦145 million paid to 911 youths under the scheme in the previous year, noting that the development underscores the growing success of the programme.

Boluwade further revealed that the state has constructed ultra-modern dormitories at five strategic farm clusters located in Ikere, Eporo/Emure, Iyemero, Aramoko and Ado-Ekiti with each facility equipped with solar-powered hostels, boreholes, storage facilities, 24-hour security and modular solar-powered irrigation systems to enhance productivity, comfort and safety.

He added that the number of farm cluster centres has also increased from five to twelve, spread across Eporo, Ose, Ikere, Ogotun, Omuo, Egbe, Aramoko, Oke-Ako, Iyemero, Gede, Isan/Ayede and Ise.

“Over 5,000 hectares of land have been cleared for farming, with five centres already equipped with fully functional dormitories. The cluster-farming model covers crops such as maize, yam, soya beans, cassava, vegetables, rice and cowpea”, he said.

Looking ahead, the Commissioner said the state plans to expand available farmlands, recruit more committed participants through a structured selection process and strengthen public-private partnerships to improve market access and value addition.

He also disclosed that a major processing plant in Ikere is set to be commissioned by Governor Oyebanji, a development expected to reduce post-harvest losses, deepen agro-processing and create more employment opportunities.

Boluwade advised Ekiti youths to take full advantage of the government’s policies and programmes to improve their overall wellbeing.

Some beneficiaries of the ₦1 billion profit disbursement who called in during the radio programme shared heartfelt testimonies, describing the Government’s initiative as truly life-changing and transformative for their livelihoods.

Olusola Elizabeth, a participant from the Aramoko farm cluster, expressed gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for providing opportunities beyond farming, including training, accommodation, feeding, seed capital and logistical support, which she said helped participants grow their businesses with dignity and confidence.

Similarly, Michael Omobolanle from the Iyemero cluster commended the provision of dormitories, farm inputs and mechanised tools, noting that the enabling environment has made agriculture more productive and attractive to young people.

From the Igede farm cluster, Idowu Remilekun praised the administration for transforming idle youths into productive contributors to the state’s economy and called for sustained support for the programme.