The Ekiti State governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has restated his administration’s commitment to food security through unbridled chains of distribution of major food items to the citizens of the state all year round, pointing out that the N50 Billion investment in agribusiness is yielding results.
Oyebanji stated this on Wednesday during the official commissioning of ‘Ounje Ekiti Retail Outlet’ and “Ilu Eye Aggregation Hub” in Ado- Ekiti, the State capital.
According to the governor, the major concern of his administration is to fulfil the mandate of President Bola Tinubu on urgent need to grow the state out of hunger and poverty by ensuring that all food items consumed in Ekiti are produced within the State.
The Ilu Eye Aggregation Hub, a registered company, buys food commodities from farmers in the state and stores, while the “Ounje Ekiti Retail Outlet” is to sell the food items to citizens at affordable prices.
Oyebanji, who confirmed that his government had expended over N50 billion in agribusiness since inception, said his vision is to turn Ekiti into the food basket of the nation through a food supply system and mechanism that will ensure food security as well as improve access to cheap food commodities.
He noted that the initiative is a strategic step towards addressing persistent challenges in the agriculture sector, reducing adverse losses in effective food storage, and inefficient market leakages.
Oyebanji maintained that the effort is part of the recommendation of the Ekiti State Food Security Committee, which was constituted to improve food supplies in the State.
The Governor further noted the hub had already taken delivery of 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.
“The initiative is aimed at strengthening the food supply system, ensuring food security, and improving access to affordable food for residents of Ekiti State.
“The establishment of Ilu Eye Agro-Trading and Aggregation Company Limited is a strategic step towards addressing persistent challenges in the agricultural sector, particularly post-harvest losses, inadequate food storage, and inefficient market linkages.
“This initiative is a direct outcome of the recommendation of the Ekiti State Food Security Committee, which was constituted under the leadership of Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Chairman and all members of the Food Security Committee for their diligence and professionalism in translating our vision into actionable outcomes. I’m also pleased to report that as of today, August 6, 2025, the Ilu Eye Aggregation Hubs have successfully aggregated the following food commodities from local producers and cooperatives within the state. They bought 715 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.
“This level of aggregation is a testament to the productive capacity of our farmers when supported with the right policies, infrastructure, and market assurance. It also marks a significant milestone in our efforts to reduce post-harvest losses and reposition agriculture as a viable economic pillar for the state”, He stated.
Governor Oyebanji, however, noted that the retail outlet will service only households for their basic food intake at affordable prices.
He emphasised that the intervention is structured to ensure equitable access as well as ensure strict control on the quantity of purchase per individual, zero tolerance for hoarding or diversion, and prevention of unbilled profit sharing as well as re-emergence of middlemen within the supply chain.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, had commended Governor Oyebanji for his efforts aimed at igniting development in the State, especially in the agriculture sector.
He added that the two projects being commissioned signified the state’s journey to an affordable food system in the state as the initiative will encourage farmers who now have ready markets for all their commodities.
- Forgery: Order Tunji-Ojo To Clear His Name, PDP Chieftain Urges Tinubu - October 23, 2025
- NIMET Unions Call-Off Strike After Meeting With Aviation Minister - October 23, 2025
- Anambra 2025: Police Command holds strategic Security Meeting Ahead of Polls - October 23, 2025