The Ikole Local Government Area in Ekiti State has started selling 20,000 oil palm and cocoa seedlings to farmers in the area.
The event to launch the sales was held on Friday at the local government secretariat in Ikole-Ekiti.
At the event, the Chairman of the Local Government, Mr. Bayo Omojola, said that 10,000 oil palm seedlings and 10,000 cocoa seedlings would be sold to farmers at a reduced price.
Omojola explained that this move was to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s food security program by promoting farming of cocoa and oil palm.
He added that the government is focusing on agriculture to empower young people and improve the lives of people in local communities.
The seedlings will be sold to farmers and residents at prices lower than what they would normally cost in the market.
Omojola also mentioned that the government will give more support to farmers by providing other farm inputs. In addition, older women will be given cash support.
“I care deeply about agriculture, and it is also one of Governor Oyebanji’s key goals,” he said. He encouraged farmers not to sell the items they receive but to use them properly on their farms.
He also urged young people to go into farming, saying that cocoa and oil palm farming can bring good income.
The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, praised the chairman for helping farmers and creating job opportunities for young people.
He promised to continue supporting the local government in its efforts to develop agriculture and support youths.
The State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Folorunso Olabode, also praised the chairman and his team for their hard work.
He encouraged them to keep investing in food production and helping young people through agriculture.
Olabode told farmers to use the farm tools and materials wisely to increase their harvests.
The Head of Administration in the Local Government, Olufemi Olatunji, said the farmers chosen for the program were local residents who have shown dedication to farming.
He advised them to make the best use of the seedlings to improve their lives and earn more income.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Onise of Odo-Oro Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Jemilehin, thanked the chairman for his efforts and prayed for him to have wisdom in leading the council.
During the event, 300 selected farmers received farming tools such as sprayers, herbicides, cutlasses, files, treated maize seedlings, and rain boots. Also, 50 elderly women were given cash gifts.
