In a bid to further strengthen agricultural productivity and boost the rural economy, the administration of Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), under the visionary leadership of Amb. Prince Michael Ogungbemi, fcpa, has officially flagged off the sales of 10,000 hybrid oil palm seedlings to farmers across the council area and beyond
The official event, held at the Council Secretariat in Ajoni LCDA, had in attendance the Vice Chairman, Prince Babatunde Famoroti, other management staff and departmental Directors. Also in attendance are local farmers, agricultural stakeholders and community leaders.
The Executive Chairman in his welcome address expressed his profound appreciation to the farmers for their unrelenting efforts in ensuring food security and economic growth within the council.
He described the oil palm initiative as a strategic move to key into Nigeria’s renewed focus on agribusiness and to empower rural farmers through access to high-yielding and improved crop varieties.
“Oil palm is one of the most economically valuable crops in Nigeria today. From palm oil to its by-products, it is a significant source of income, employment, and industrial raw materials. With this initiative, we are positioning Ajoni LCDA to tap into these immense opportunities,” the Chairman remarked.
He further appreciated the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his unwavering support and for making funds available for the purchase and subsidized sale of the hybrid seedlings.
The Chairman noted that the Governor’s pro-farmer policies are a driving force behind agricultural transformations at the grassroots.
Highlighting his administration’s continued strides in the agricultural sector, the Chairman proudly referenced other landmark initiatives and achievements such as:
~Distribution of 1,000 hybrid cashew seedlings to farmers across the LCDA;
~Promotion of Youths in Commercial Agriculture (YCA) programme through support, funding and training opportunities;
~Distribution of 50 knapsack sprayers to aid pest management and disease control efforts on the farms; and several other empowerment programmes aimed at repositioning agriculture as a viable enterprise for farmers and youths alike.
The event also featured a technical training session facilitated by the Director of Agriculture, Mr. Makinde, who commended the Chairman for his visionary leadership and commitment to sustainable agricultural development.
Mr. Makinde took the farmers through the best practices for nurturing oil palm seedlings, including planting techniques, spacing, soil requirements, fertilization schedules, and pest management strategies to ensure optimum yield and long-term productivity.
This is not just about distributing seedlings; it’s about equipping our farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive. The future of agriculture in Ajoni is promising, thanks to this kind of leadership,” Mr. Makinde affirmed.
The farmers, in their remarks, lauded the initiative and expressed their readiness to maximize the opportunity. They also pledged their continued support for the local government’s agricultural programmes.
This event marks another feather in the cap of the ever-innovative leadership of Prince Ogungbemi, whose administration has consistently prioritized inclusive agricultural growth, youth empowerment, and community development.
The flag-off is expected to stimulate oil palm cultivation in Ajoni LCDA, attract agro-investments, and contribute to the economic diversification goals of Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.