The World Bank has given the green light to the establishment of an agribusiness hub in Ekiti State, a transformative initiative designed to boost economic growth, enhance livelihoods, and promote food security in the region.
Integrated Support for Farmers and Stakeholders
- The hub will serve as a one-stop-shop providing:
- Access to finance, markets, and technology.
- Opportunities for farmers, processors, and stakeholders to collaborate and enhance productivity.
Economic Impact
- Expected benefits include:
- Increased productivity and improved produce quality.
- Enhanced market competitiveness, driving economic diversification and job creation.
Alignment with Development Goals
- The project supports the World Bank’s mission of reducing poverty and promoting shared prosperity by addressing food insecurity and building a resilient agribusiness sector.
Livestock Development and Infrastructure Upgrades
State-of-the-Art Slaughterhouse Facility
- The hub includes the modernization of Ado-Ekiti’s abattoir, featuring:
- Modern meat-processing equipment.
- Cold storage and waste management systems.
- Strict sanitation protocols.
Ekiti State’s Livestock Development Efforts
- Initiatives like the Ekiti Broilers Production Scheme demonstrate the state’s commitment to livestock production.
- Over 60,000 broilers have been produced by trained and empowered youths, showcasing the potential for agribusiness to address unemployment and food security.
Stakeholder Support and Vision
World Bank Leadership
- Emmanuel Sene, Task Team Leader, emphasized the hub’s potential to diversify Ekiti’s economy and strengthen its agribusiness ecosystem.
National and State Collaboration
- Sanusi Abubakar, National Coordinator for the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project (L-PRES), highlighted the project’s role in commercializing the livestock value chain by providing essential infrastructure.
Ekiti State’s Proactive Approach
- The state government continues to champion agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, integrating youth empowerment and cutting-edge technology into its strategies.
The establishment of the agribusiness hub in Ekiti State marks a significant milestone in its journey toward economic transformation. By equipping farmers and agripreneurs with the tools and resources needed for success, the hub is set to position Ekiti as a leader in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector, driving job creation, food security, and long-term sustainability.
