Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has presented an 18- seater bus to youths in agribusiness to ease the transportation challenges faced by the youths in the agric clusters.
The bus was in fulfillment of the promise made by the Governor during the flag off the planting season and distribution of seedlings and implements to the young farmers.
Presenting the bus on behalf of the Governor at the Osutokun pavilion, Government House, Ado Ekiti, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, said the gesture was part of the Governor’s broader strategy to empower the youth and promote agribusiness as a viable career path in the state.
Highlighting the importance of transportation in agriculture value chain and noting that access to efficient logistic is crucial for the success of any agribusiness, the Governor stressed that the bus would help in conveying the youth to the farm as well as reaching the market, transporting goods, and connecting the suppliers, thereby enhancing the profitability and sustainability of their business.
The Governor described agriculture as a sector with numerous potential for job creation and economic growth, and assured that government would continue to provide necessary infrastructure and support to make agribusiness more attractive to the younger generation.
In his own remark, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade said the provision of the bus was just one of numerous initiatives of Governor Oyebanji’s administration aimed at reducing the barriers that young entrepreneur face in the industry.
He expressed confident that with various intervention of the state government in agriculture sector, Ekiti would soon become the food basket of the country.
Responding on behalf of youth in agriculture, Mr Jonson Owoeye, who expressed their profound gratitude to the Governor for the gesture, acknowledged that the provision of the bus would significantly ease the challenges of logistics which has been a major hurdle in scaling their business.
Owoeye assured the Governor that the Youths in agribusiness will use the bus responsibly and continue to working hard to contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector in the state.
