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.
