Oyebanji sites agriculture development cluster in EKSU to aid food security

Biodun Oyebanji has launched an agricultural development cluster at Ekiti State University (EKSU).

The governor was at the state capital for the “ground-breaking” ceremony of the initiative on Tuesday.

He said the three-year programme aims to engage agriculture students in practical farming, processing, and agribusiness.

He said the TAO Agricultural Development Cluster, launched in partnership with the EKSU vice-chancellor Joseph Ayodele and the agribusiness entrepreneur Niyi Ojuolape, will offer students hands-on training and financial support of up to N2 million annually.

Oyebanji said the cluster is expected to contribute significantly to Ekiti state’s food security and economy, potentially generating an annual economic activity of about N40 billion.

He said the benefits of the project extend beyond the students.

The governor said EKSU will also benefit from the research and development aspects of the scheme, which will inform curriculum improvement and enhance the university’s reputation.

“By promoting agricultural development, the project will increase food production, reduce poverty, and create employment opportunities for the youth,” the governor said.

“We believe that this project will have a transformative impact on our students, our university, and our state.”

Niyi Ojuolape, founder of the agribusiness financial services firm AgroMall, expressed his enthusiasm about spearheading a project with the Ekiti state government as a major partner.

“We believe that this project will have a transformative impact on our students, our university, and our state,” the entrepreneur said.

In his remarks, Joseph Ayodele also reiterated the expected positive impacts of the agricultural development cluster at EKSU.

“This is a further testament to our focus on delivering EKSU’s vision of producing graduates who are adequately equipped to handle contemporary socioeconomic and environmental challenges,” the vice-chancellor added.

“The TAO agricultural cluster development programme will be an additional effort towards solving some of Nigeria’s most pressing socioeconomic challenges of youth unemployment, low economic growth and food security.”