Ekiti Women Affairs Commissioner, Babafemi Urges Farmers to Seize New Opportunities to Strengthen Agriculture

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, on Tuesday urged farmers to take advantage of emerging opportunities in agriculture to combat poverty and food insecurity.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of agricultural inputs under a programme supported by Caritas Nigeria, Mrs. Babafemi said farming remains central to addressing hunger and improving livelihoods.

“Once basic nutritional needs are met, one of the most crippling aspects of poverty is resolved,” she said.

The initiative, part of Caritas Nigeria’s Building Sustainable Livelihoods in Vibrant Community (B-SLiC) project, was described by Mrs. Babafemi as a significant contribution to the agriculture and rural development agenda of the state government.

She highlighted several government-backed agricultural programmes — including L-PRES, YCAD, YCB, Ounje Ekiti and RAAMP — noting that they have helped ease food shortages across the state.

Mrs. Babafemi also commended the support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the collaboration with the Sisters of St. Michael the Archangel and the Sisters of St. Louis in implementing the project.

She urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the training and materials provided, emphasizing that their commitment would determine the programme’s long-term success.

Representing the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese , Rt Rev Felix Ajakaiye,the Rev. Joseph Abegunde called on participants to remain diligent and committed to their work.

Community leaders also welcomed the initiative. Princess Omobola Adepoju, the regent of Ikogosi-Ekiti, represented by High Chief Dele Ojo, praised Caritas Nigeria for selecting the community and pledged continued support for beneficiaries.

In a goodwill message, Oba Adegoroye Oludare Omosebi, the Olohan of Erijiyan-Ekiti, described the programme as an opportunity for farmers to turn their aspirations into reality.

One participant, Mr. Folorunso, said the training had introduced cost-effective methods for producing fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.

In her welcome address, Sister Francisca Faluru of the Sisters of St. Louis expressed optimism that the initiative would boost the local economy if participants applied their knowledge effectively.

Nkese Maria Udongwo, Caritas Nigeria’s Director of Humanitarian Services, said the programme was part of broader efforts to position Ekiti State as a major food-producing region.

At the event, participants received knapsack sprayers, fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.

The B-SLiC project focuses on building capacity and promoting economic empowerment among vulnerable groups, while encouraging climate-smart agriculture, vocational training, financial inclusion and improved market access.