ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has stated that agriculture remains the most reliable route to addressing Nigeria’s economic issues, including unemployment, food insecurity, and poverty.
He explained that this is why his administration has intentionally adopted agriculture as a major instrument to eradicate poverty, expand job opportunities, and strengthen food security across Ekiti State.
According to a statement from his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, issued on Sunday, Oyebanji made the remarks while hosting the Consul General of the Netherlands, Michel Deelen, and his delegation at his office in Ado Ekiti.
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The governor said, “I believe strongly that for a people or a country to develop, especially in Nigeria, giving God-given resources, lands and human capital, if we get agriculture right, we will solve at least 60 per cent of our problems.
“We will solve the problem of food insecurity, unemployment and poverty. We will solve the problem of insecurity itself.”
He emphasized that agriculture is not only a priority for ensuring food availability in the state, but also a tool for wealth creation and empowering young people.
“When we came into office, I was deliberate about our intervention in the agric sector, and we are one of the few states, I can beat my chest and tell you that within two years, we pulled off the streets 5,000 youths to agriculture, and you can verify this,” the governor said.
Oyebanji applauded the Netherlands for its global reputation and competence in agriculture, and noted that Ekiti State is willing to collaborate with the Dutch government to boost productivity.
He added that such collaboration would further strengthen the ongoing agricultural transformation in Ekiti and contribute significantly to the state’s economic advancement.
Meanwhile, the Consul General of the Netherlands, Michel Deelen, said he was impressed by how Ekiti has positioned agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and youth development, adding that the state’s agricultural revolution has made it one of the most promising subnational economies in Nigeria.
Deelen expressed the Dutch government’s willingness to partner with the state in critical areas such as agricultural technology, irrigation, capacity building, and value chain development.
He also pointed out that the Netherlands, as a global leader in modern farming, is ready to work with Ekiti in knowledge exchange, investment facilitation, and introducing innovative farming systems capable of further strengthening the state’s agricultural foundation.