AFE BABALOLA UNVEILS PLAN FOR EKITI FARMERS’ HOUSE, MODERN FARMING
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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim
The Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola, has announced plans to establish an Ekiti Farmers’ House to promote large-scale and productive modern farming across the state.
Babalola made this known in Ado Ekiti on Saturday during the 2026 Afe Babalola Agricultural Expo, themed, “AI for Every Farmer: Farming Smarter, Producing More and Earning Better.” Farmers from the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State participated in the event and showcased their agricultural produce.
The ABUAD founder, who is also a farmer, said the annual agricultural expo, which began in 2015, was established to promote agriculture as a noble and rewarding profession, particularly at a time when some people were abandoning farming for white-collar and menial jobs.
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He commended farmers across Nigeria and Ekiti State for remaining committed to agriculture despite challenges such as kidnapping, robbery and herdsmen invasion.
Babalola said the proposed Ekiti Farmers’ House would have a secretariat responsible for convening meetings and handling matters concerning its members.
He added that, in collaboration with the state government and the 16 local government areas, the Farmers’ House would acquire modern agricultural equipment, including ridgers, ploughs and harvesters, which would be made available to farmers for rent at affordable rates.
According to him, the initiative would enable farmers to access modern agricultural equipment from their local governments and engage in large-scale, productive farming.
Babalola also expressed optimism that the scheme would encourage Nigerian youths and university graduates to embrace modern agriculture.
He said, “It is possible. It is practicable, and it is achievable. This will encourage more people to take to farming in the overall interest of the country.”
As part of efforts to encourage farmers, Babalola presented cash prizes to outstanding farmers from the state’s various local government areas.
The overall best farmer in Ekiti State received a N2m prize, while the top three farmers in each of the 16 local government areas received N200,000, N100,000 and N50,000 for first, second and third positions respectively.
In addition, two youths from each of the 16 local government areas who were trained in plantain chips production, packaging and marketing under the Afe Babalola Youth Empowerment Programme received equipment to commence their businesses.
Babalola urged the beneficiaries to use the prizes and equipment wisely, stressing that successful people often started from humble beginnings.
The Oore of Otun Ekiti and Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, commended Babalola for organising the annual agricultural expo and consistently supporting farmers and youths.
Adeagbo stressed the importance of agriculture to national development, noting that food security was essential to building a healthy and prosperous nation.
He also described the theme of the 2026 expo as timely, saying the promotion of modern agricultural practices through technology could improve food production and farmers’ earnings.
The Chairman of the ABA-EX Local Organising Committee, Prof. Abiodun Ojo, also praised Babalola’s commitment to the annual event, saying it had evolved from an agricultural exhibition into a platform for recognising, encouraging and empowering farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural development.
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