The Ekiti State Government has officially commenced the onboarding of the 3rd Cohort of its Broilers Production Scheme, reinforcing its commitment to youth empowerment, agricultural development, and food security. The initiative, spearheaded by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, is designed to equip young people with the skills, infrastructure, and support needed to succeed in poultry farming and agribusiness.
A total of 250 youths have been selected to join the programme, with deployment across nine clusters in Erinfun, Ikole, Ilupeju, Ido, Ado Ekiti Technical College, Ode, Efon, Ikere, and Igede. The onboarding process includes screening, examinations, and orientation sessions, starting with a one-day programme on Monday, 17th November 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Boluwade revealed that the government has awarded contracts for the construction of high-capacity poultry pens, each capable of housing 20,000 birds, in Ado, Ikole, and Emure Ekiti. The plan is to achieve over 100,000 birds per production cycle by 2026, significantly boosting poultry output in the state. He added that the production goals are aligned with the ongoing development of Ekiti State’s Poultry Processing Plant, which will facilitate large-scale processing, packaging, and value addition.
“The Broilers Production Scheme is more than just a farming programme. It is a strategic initiative that empowers our youth, generates employment, and strengthens the state’s food security,” Boluwade said. “By providing modern infrastructure, technical training, and access to markets, we are helping young people turn their farming ambitions into profitable businesses.”
The programme also highlights Ekiti State’s approach to cluster-based farming, which allows for centralized management, easier access to inputs, veterinary services, and enhanced efficiency in production. Participants will receive mentorship, practical training, and access to the state’s agribusiness support networks, ensuring they can run sustainable and scalable poultry operations.
The initiative is expected to stimulate the local economy by creating jobs not only for the direct beneficiaries but also for ancillary sectors, including feed production, transport, processing, and marketing. Experts believe that the scheme could serve as a model for other states aiming to integrate youth empowerment with agribusiness development.
With the poultry sector in Nigeria contributing significantly to protein supply and agribusiness growth, Ekiti State’s Broilers Production Scheme positions the state as a key player in national poultry production while fostering entrepreneurial skills among its youth.
