Ekiti LG Boss Starts Distribution Of 10,000 Palm Seedlings
The Chairman of Ikole Local Government in Ekiti State, Mr Bayo Omojola, has flagged off distribution of 10,000 palm seedlings to farmers to boost the production of palm oil in the area.
The event was held on Thursday at the council Secretariat in Ikole-Ekiti.
Omojola, in his remarks, said the decision to invest in palm seedlings production was to provide assistance to farmers on palm oil production and complement Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s agricultural programme.
He said his desire for agriculture development was to empower the youths and bring the dividends of democracy to the grassroots.
“I am passionate about agriculture development and it is equally one of the six points agenda of our governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji.
” We are officially flagging off the distribution of palm seedlings to the farmers at a subsidised rate to improve and boost the oil palm farming in Ikole Local Government.
” I equally want to encourage the youths to engage in agricultural business as a very profitable which some of them can venture into and at the local government level, we will support them,” he said.
The council boss disclosed that each of the palm seedlings would be sold to farmers at the sum of N400.
Omojola explained that the local government was also planning to acquire lands for farming.
According to him, the local government is working towards establishing cassava industry and fishery which will help reduce cost of gaari, fish and create jobs for the youths.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye commended the chairman for his tireless efforts in empowering farmers and reduce unemployment through agriculture.
Aribasoye, who was represented by a member of the Assembly, Mr Babatunde Fawekun assured the local government of his continuous support to boost agriculture in the area.
Similarly, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, assured the chairman of the ministry’s support in marketing the palm seedlings in order to encourage other councils to emulate such gesture.
The Traditional ruler of Odo-Oro Ekiti, Oba Babatunde jemilehin, commended the chairman for the initiative.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr Folorunso Olabode; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Inter-party Affairs, Chief Jide Awe; traditional rulers and members of staff of the local government.
NAN/Oyenike Oyeniyi
