The Ikole Local Government has again begun sales of Cocoa and Oil palm seedlings, at subsidized rate to interested members of the public.
The chairman of the council, Hon Bayo Omojola who gave the indication, during the flag off the cocoa sales and farmers empowerment in Ikole Ekiti said the move will further boost agricultural production particularly on Oil palm farming in the area.
The farmers were empowered with sprayer machines, herbicides, Cutlasses, maize seedlings, rain boots, while some aged received cash gifts.
Hon Omojola who identified oil palm as one of the economical and valuable crops in Nigeria, said it has also become a significant source of income and employment.
He said the Council keyed into the initiative as a way to further enhance agricultural products in the area.
“We are just following the steps of our governor, we want to encourage our farmers to do more so that they can have more produce this year, we are giving out inputs, sprayers, seedlings, chemicals and others to support them, we are also flagging off the sales of five thousand Cocoa and Oil palm seedlings”. He noted
He advised the beneficiaries to make effective use of the tools received to enhance their production.
The commissioner for local government affairs, Mr Folorunsho Olabode lauded the chairman for aligning with the state governor’s commitment to boost agriculture in the state.
“Let me commend the chairman, Hon Omojola for this vision, he is following the governor’s step to make Ekiti food basket of the Nation.”
Similarly the speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, represented by his chief of staff, Mr Olamide Aribisala praised Mr Omojola for the initiative.
The Head of the local government, Mr Olatunji John, said the beneficiaries were selected without any political affiliations.
Those who benefited thanked the chairman promising to utilise effectively the tools.
