He added that the Development Partners would also assist the State in establishing and rehabilitation of Agro-Logistics hubs and institutional development in the State. Fayemi said the rural roads would not only connect farms to cities but would further enhance the surplus availability of farm produces in markets. He revealed that the projects would be carried out in phases, “based on the level of agricultural produce and economic activities along the corridor of each road and not on equality of local government areas or town” as directed by the World Bank, adding that some of the rural roads would link up with some major roads he flagged off for reconstruction early this year. The Governor said he was optimistic the rural roads, when constructed would boost agricultural productivity and reduce post- harvest wastages of farm produces, adding that it would also encourage agro allied industries and create job opportunities for the teeming youths in the State. Restating his commitment to lifting Ekiti people out of poverty to the path of prosperity by empowering farmers and entrepreneurs in the agricultural value chain, the Governor said, “The vision of this government is to grow agri-business and open farms up to markets. This is why we have decided to embark on the construction of 1000km of rural roads to enhance agri-business in our dear State. “Another Initiative of the government is the programme we called Youth in Commercial Agriculture Development (YCAD).

Fayemi, represented by Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Folorunso Olabode, said the government was partnering the International Development Association, the world bank and French development agency for the construction of prioritised rural roads in the state. “It is in the readiness for sufficient food and cash crops production that will follow the roads interconnectivity and boost the capacity of Ekiti farmers that the state government is embarking on the construction of cargo airport to help transport our local products to other states and export to other countries”, he said. He said, Ekiti being an agrarian State, had been grossly underutilized by residents who were predominantly farmers, hence, the determ

The Initiative is to encourage Ekiti Youth to engage in mechanized farming with the aim of feeding the State as well as transporting to other States of the federation and in turn revamp the economy of the State. “As a government, we are determined and remained committed to the development of Ekiti State, despite the meagre resources available. We shall continue to pursue our lofty goals of making life more meaningful for the people within the ambit of our resources.” Fayemi said, part of the vision of his administration was to make life in the rural areas easier as in the urban areas, assuring that the rural areas in the State would be developed in such a way that it would dissuade and checkmate rural-urban migration which he claimed has affected the practice of agriculture. he Governor advised stakeholders at the meeting to sensitize members of their community on the project. “I urged you to go to your various communities and farmsteads to sensitize your people particularly the youths to cooperate with the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), contractors and construction workers that will be moving to sites any moment from now. The project should be applauded by all and sundry rather than generating crisis among our people.”. he said. Earlier, the National Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr Uban Doma Ularamu in his address called the on the benefitting communities to take possession of the projects that would be executed in their communities. “see it as your project, own it, support it where necessary in order for us to achieve our dream of a better society.” He added The Project Coordinator, who was represented by a national official, Mrs Salamotu Jibaniya, noted that the traditional leaders in each of the community are the eyes of the government and would serve as the touch-bearers, owners and guard of the project.