…says L-PRES project will boost rural livelihoods, economic growth

Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade has commended the State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji for his strategic investments in the livestock sub-sector, describing the ongoing efforts to establish an ultra-modern cattle market, semi-automated poultry pens, and a Broiler Processing Plant as transformative steps that will uplift rural livelihoods and enhance economic growth across the state.

Speaking at a strategic meeting with the livestock stakeholders in his office Ado-Ekiti,the Commissioner said the projects, which cut across the three senatorial districts of the state, reflect the Oyebanji-led administration’s unwavering commitment to agricultural modernisation, food security, and youth empowerment through agribusiness.

Mr. Boluwade stated that these projects are not just infrastructure; but are also instruments of economic change and social impact.

He noted that the ultra-modern cattle market when completed will reposition livestock value chain in the State by ensuring hygienic meat processing, improved market access, and job creation for thousands of rural dwellers.

The Commissioner also stressed that the Semi-automated Poultry Pens and the Broiler Processing facility will boost poultry productivity, support small holder farmers, and attract private investments into Ekiti’s livestock economy.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Babatope Ojo described the governor’s intervention in the livestock sector as a revolution, noting that the new facilities will enhance livestock productivity, reduce losses and improve food safety.

Mr. Ojo added that Governor Oyebanji has set a new standard for livestock development in Ekiti.

He noted that the newly approved projects by the World Bank including the construction of an ultra-modern cattle market, semi-automated poultry pens, and a Broiler Processing Plant in the State demonstrate strategic foresight and are in line with global best practices in the livestock sector stressing that this transformation will have long-term positive impacts on income generation and food sufficiency in the state.

In his contribution, the State Project Coordinator for the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Mr. Olayinka Adedipe, lauded Governor Oyebanji describing him as a “game-changer in the livestock industry” whose policies are already repositioning Ekiti as a hub for livestock innovation and agribusiness.

Mr.Adedipe said establishing these livestock infrastructures underlines Mr. Governor’s visionary leadership and alignment with the objectives of L-PRES.

The Project Coordinator noted that by investing in modern facilities and supporting livestock farmers, Ekiti is setting the pace for other states adding that the State under Governor Oyebanji was witnessing a new era where agriculture becomes a viable livelihood, especially for the youth and women in rural communities.

The new projects were approved with support from the World Bank under the L-PRES initiative and are expected to foster improved livestock practices, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and strengthen the rural economy in Ekiti State.

Residents and stakeholders across the agriculture value chain have continued to express optimism that the state is on the path to becoming a model for sustainable livestock development in Nigeria.