As part of efforts by the Oyebanji Administration at ensuring quality and standardization of agricultural produce, especially for export, Ekiti State Government has employed 38 new officers into the Produce Department of the State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Addressing the new the staff at the State Secretariat Complex, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Babatope Ojo said Government found it necessary to strengthen the Department, which plays a vital role in the state’s revenue generation platform

He highlighted the department’s outstanding performance in revenue generation in 2024 which according to him has brought the Ministry under the spotlight as one of the leading MDAs boosting the State’s Internally Generated Profile

Mr. Ojo charged the newly recruited officers which comprise 14 Produce/Pest Control Inspectors and 24 Produce/Pest Control Attendants to demonstrate commitment and dedication to their duties, noting that the Ministry would soon organize training programmes to equip them for the tasks ahead.

He stressed that the schedule of duties of the new offices includes inspecting, grading, and ensuring compliance with international standards adding that they will also play crucial roles in preventing and controlling pest infestation in agricultural produce in the State

In his remarks at the event, the Director, Produce Department, Mr. Samuel Oguntuase, urged the new employees to justify the confidence reposed in them by the government by working diligently and upholding the standards that have earned the department its commendable reputation.

Responding on behalf of the new employees, Mr Adeyeye Kehinde, Mrs Babatunde Sekinat and Adesoye Ronke expressed their gratitude to the government for the opportunity.

They pledged to reciprocate the gesture of Government by being committed, hardworking, and focused on contributing meaningfully to the department’s continued success.