The Ekiti State Government has announced decisive measures to safeguard its multimillion-naira investments in agriculture, aiming to bolster agribusiness confidence and foster economic growth. Warning herders against farm invasions that threaten productivity, the government reinforced its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment for the agricultural sector.
Ebenezer Ogundana, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters and Chairperson of the Ekiti State Farmers/Herders Peace Committee, delivered the statement on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado Ekiti. Ogundana highlighted the government’s intent to enforce the anti-grazing law, restricting underage and nighttime herding practices that have disrupted agricultural operations.
“Agriculture is a critical investment for Ekiti’s economy,” Ogundana emphasized, “and the government will not allow disregard for the law to jeopardize the industry.” The committee, launched by Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in 2023, was designed to mediate between farmers and herders and reduce conflicts that hinder business continuity and growth in the sector.
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Promoting Agribusiness through Community Collaboration
To ensure these regulations reach local levels, the government has appointed 18 local government coordinators to foster cooperation among herders, farmers, and host communities. Ogundana urged traditional leaders and local government officials to establish forums that support adherence to the anti-grazing laws, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding for economic stability.
The government has also created farm settlements and set up an Agro-Task Force, comprising security agencies, to secure farmlands, thus protecting investments and mitigating losses for both private agribusinesses and smallholder farmers. Registration and identification efforts are underway to monitor activities within farm settlements and deter unauthorized persons who may disrupt farming operations.
Investment and Economic Security Measures
According to the Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, the government has invested over N2 billion in agriculture this year and plans to increase funding in 2025. “Ensuring the safety and security of farmlands is essential for us to realize returns on this investment and to attract further investments,” he said, encouraging peace as a foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Echoing this, Commissioner of Police Kayode Akinwale commended the administration’s security initiatives, advocating for traditional leaders to mobilize local vigilantes as an additional measure for safeguarding the region’s agribusinesses. Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, representing the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, also expressed support for the government’s actions, noting that peace and security are essential to foster growth and economic progress in Ekiti’s agriculture sector.
Through these actions, the Ekiti State Government aims to create a secure and predictable environment for agricultural investors, supporting sustainable growth and resilience in Ekiti’s agribusiness sector.
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