Oyebanji Revives Farm Settlements, Commissions Renewed Hope Dormitories for Youth Farmers
Determined to boost food production and tackle rising food prices, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has revived the state’s farm settlement initiative with the commissioning of three of the six Renewed Hope Farm Dormitories built for young farmers across various farm clusters in the state.
Oyebanji, who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his agricultural reform initiatives, vowed to clamp down on “unscrupulous elements and criminally minded individuals” bent on sabotaging government efforts and frustrating farmers in the state.
The governor made the declaration on Wednesday while commissioning the Farm Dormitory at Eporo-Ekiti in Emure Local Government Area, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration. Similar facilities were also commissioned at Iyemero and Ikere-Ekiti.
Represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, Oyebanji said the initiative aims to revive the moribund farm settlements established during the era of Chief Obafemi Awolowo while creating 13 new settlements to provide comfort and stability for young farmers across the state.
He described the Renewed Hope Farm Settlement as unique for integrating modern agricultural technology, innovation, and private-sector partnerships designed to attract youths to farming and enhance productivity.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, disclosed that the Eporo facility can accommodate up to 200 farmers and is equipped with solar power, generators, and water supply systems for maximum comfort. He added that 300 hectares of land have been allocated to youth farmers in the area, which has significantly reduced kidnapping and banditry incidents previously common in the axis.
Boluwade further revealed plans to establish an Agric Transformation Centre worth over ₦20 million at the Emure-Eporo axis, featuring poultry, pet houses, and other modern agricultural facilities to further revolutionize farming in the state.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of YSJ Farms, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Joluwe, said youth farmers under the firm’s guidance had recorded a profit of ₦800 million between 2024 and 2025, with a target to hit ₦1 billion by the end of 2025, urging the governor to address lingering security challenges affecting some farming communities, stressing that “ensuring the safety of farmers will further strengthen agricultural productivity”.
Also speaking, the representative of the youth farmers, Mr. Olanrewaju Saliu, appreciated the governor for extending development projects such as cluster farming, health centre upgrades, and school renovations to the Eporo-Emure axis. He assured that the farmers would reciprocate the government’s support in future elections.
