The federal government through its Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone unit has engaged in Ekiti State over the proposed creation of agriculture transformation centres in the state.
The centres, which will be created in two communities of Orin-Ekiti, Ido-Osi Local Government Area and Eporo in Emure LGA , is aimed at boosting agricultural production and generating employment opportunities in line with the renewed hope agenda of the government and shared property agenda of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
The project is being financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Speaking during separate engagements with stakeholders in the two communities on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the commissioner for agriculture and food security, Ebenezer Boluwade, commended the federal government for selecting and designating the state for the project.
The commissioner, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Special Agro Processing Zone, Kehinde Ajayi, noted that the centres would be crucial in enhancing food production, promoting value addition, attracting private investment and creating jobs across the agricultural value chain in the state.
He appealed to stakeholders and residents of the communities to support the initiative of the government towards ensuring food security and socio-economic development of the state through agriculture.
‘The Environmental Impact Assessment process underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive development and ensuring that the projects are environmentally responsible and beneficial to the host communities.
‘It is a project will attract several millions of dollars and will bring value addition to what we are doing in the agriculture sector,’ he said.
The State Project coordinator, Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, Olaniyi Ijadare, said the engagement was necessary to expose the benefitting communities to the impacts of the project on the environment and making it environmentally sustainable.
Ijadare said: ‘This engagement is necessary as specified by the bank so that the people know what to expect and likely impacts on the environment.’
The Olorin of Orin-Ekiti, Oba Olufemi Ajibewa and the Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Ajiboye, commended the agriculture initiative, promising that their communities would ensure the success of the project in the overall development of the area and the state.
Representatives of the All Farmers Association in the two LGAs said the projects would serve as a turning point for the state’s agricultural potential which would in turn enhance food sufficiency and economic development.