Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring an uninterrupted supply of major food items to the state’s citizens throughout the year.
This pledge was made during the commissioning of the ‘Ounje Ekiti Retail Outlet’ and “Ilu Eye Aggregation Hub” in Ado-Ekiti.
The governor seeks to fulfil President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to alleviate hunger and poverty by ensuring that all food consumed in Ekiti is locally produced.
The Ilu Eye Aggregation Hub will purchase and store food commodities from local farmers, while the Ounje Ekiti Retail Outlet will sell these items at affordable prices.
Governor Oyebanji reported that his government has invested over N50 billion in agribusiness since taking office, with the vision of transforming Ekiti into the nation’s food basket.
This initiative addresses challenges in agriculture, such as post-harvest losses and inefficient market linkages, and is a direct result of recommendations from the Ekiti State Food Security Committee.
The governor highlighted the hub’s successful aggregation of significant quantities of local produce, including white beans, rice paddy, maize, and garri.
He reported that the hub has already obtained 750 metric tons of white beans, 239.167 metric tons of rice paddy, 101.54 metric tons of maize and 1,716 bags of garri, all produced within Ekiti State and to be sold below market prices.
He stressed that the retail outlet would focus on providing basic food needs for households at controlled prices, with strict measures against hoarding and middlemen interference.
The initiative strives to create a sustainable food supply system and ensure equitable access for all residents.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, praised the governor’s efforts to develop the agricultural sector.
At the same time, the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr Akintunde Oyebode, expressed confidence that the initiative would ensure food security for all Ekiti residents.
Various dignitaries, including members of the State House of Assembly and leaders from market associations and labour unions, attended the event.
Source: The News
Image Credit: The News
