The World Bank has approved the establishment of an agribusiness hub in Ekiti State, aiming to accelerate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of local farmers. The announcement followed an inspection of the Ekiti State Livestock Development Centre in Ado-Ekiti by a World Bank Task Team led by Emmanuel Sene.
According to Sene, the hub will serve as a centralized facility providing farmers, processors, and stakeholders access to finance, markets, and advanced agricultural technology. The initiative is expected to increase productivity, enhance produce quality, and boost farmers’ competitiveness in local and international markets.
Sene emphasized that the project aligns with the World Bank’s goals of poverty reduction and economic diversification. “Agriculture is key to creating jobs, eradicating food insecurity, and fostering economic stability,” he noted.
Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project (L-PRES), highlighted the transformation of the Ado-Ekiti abattoir into a state-of-the-art slaughterhouse. The facility will feature modern slaughter lines, cold storage, and waste management systems, alongside stringent quality and sanitation protocols.
Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, noted the state’s recent strides in livestock production, including the Ekiti Broilers Production Scheme. This initiative has trained and empowered youths to produce over 60,000 broiler chickens, fostering self-reliance and job creation.
State Project Coordinator Olayinka Adedipe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revolutionizing agribusiness, highlighting its potential to drive economic growth and job opportunities. Akindele Akintoye, leader of the Broilers Scheme, added that these efforts aim to enhance the state’s agricultural sector while empowering its youth.
