10/04/2026
๐๐ค๐ข๐ญ๐ข ๐๐ ๐ซ๐ข๐-๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ, ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐ข๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ
Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State Agriculture Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (Ekiti Agric-MEAL) Committee on Thursday, held its Second Quarter (Q2) engagement meeting, bringing together key stakeholders to review progress, assess on-going interventions, and strengthen strategies for sustainable agribusiness development in the State.
The Ekiti Agric-MEAL Committee was constituted by the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) in 2025 to strengthen monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning processes in the agricultural sector, ensuring that government interventions deliver measurable impact, value for money, and improved livelihoods for citizens.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Engr. (Dr.) John Moyo Ekundayo, FNSE, welcomed members and stakeholders, appreciating their continued dedication to advancing agricultural development, food security, and evidence-based decision-making in Ekiti State.
The Chairman took a solemn moment to acknowledge the passing of a distinguished member, Prof. Segun Ajibola, describing him as a committed professional whose contributions to the Committee and the agricultural sector were invaluable. He noted that his absence would be deeply felt and prayed for strength for the family.
Dr. Ekundayo commended members for their commitment to strengthening the Ekiti Agric MEAL framework in the State, noting that the progress recorded so far reflects a shared resolve to ensure that agricultural programmes and projects are effectively tracked, evaluated, and improved upon.
He emphasized that the Committeeโs role remains supportive and collaborative, aimed at providing constructive insights, strengthening systems, and promoting transparency and accountability in the implementation of agricultural policies and programmes of the Ekiti State Government.
The meeting featured three key technical presentations, each addressing critical areas of agricultural development and agribusiness in Ekiti State:
1. Enhancing Youth Participation in Agribusiness
A presentation on youth engagement in agriculture by Pst Adetunji Aribasoye highlighted the urgent need to reposition agriculture as a profitable, technology-driven enterprise rather than a subsistence activity.
Key recommendations included:
-Establishment of agribusiness incubation and innovation hubs.
-Creation of youth agricultural land banks.
-Access to low-interest financing and cooperative funding models.
-Promotion of AgriTech solutions such as drones and digital platforms.
-Development of value chains and processing zones.
The presentation stressed that youth involvement is critical to addressing the aging farming population, reducing unemployment, and ensuring long-term food security.
2. Strategic Development and Sustainable Management of Tree Crops.
Presented by Engr. Adebiyi Adebayo - the session examined the economic importance of tree crops such as cocoa, oil palm, citrus, moringa and cashew in Ekiti State.
Key focus areas included:
-Challenges such as aging plantations, climate change, and weak value chains.
-Adoption of climate-smart agriculture and agro-forestry systems.
-Strengthening nursery systems and improved seedlings distribution.
-Enhancing farmer training, extension services, and access to finance.
The presentation emphasized the need for a coordinated, long-term strategy to boost productivity, increase farmer income, and improve internally generated revenue.
3. Positioning Ekiti State for Sustainable Livestock Development.
In his presentation, Dr. Solomon Ayodeji Ekundayo outlined a strategic roadmap for transforming livestock production into a major economic driver in the State.
Highlights included:
-Achieving self-sufficiency in meat, milk, and other animal products.
-Creation of up to 50,000 jobs within five years.
-Expansion of livestock value chains and agro-industrial development.
-Adoption of modern techniques such as ranching and mechanization.
-Strong emphasis on youth participation and agribusiness development.
The presentation also underscored the importance of policy direction, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable funding mechanisms.
The Q2 engagement provided a platform for robust discussions, review of action points, and alignment on strategic priorities for the agricultural sector.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that agricultural interventions in Ekiti State are not only implemented but are impactful, measurable, and sustainable, ultimately improving livelihoods and driving economic growth.
Members of the team present at the meeting were: Engr. (Dr). John Moyo Ekundayo, Committee Chairman, Pastor Adetunji Aribasoye, Dr Solomon Ayodeji Ekundayo (joined virtually), Engr. Adebiyi Adebayo Ojo, Mr. Toba Fatunla, Mr Salami Olusola (Committee Secretary).