By Simeon Shodimu
In a renewed effort to reposition agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, the Ekiti State Government is scaling up capacity development for stakeholders, leveraging global partnerships and innovative training to boost productivity, sustainability, and food security.
The Ekiti State Government has strengthened its agricultural reform agenda with the training of key personnel and stakeholders under the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme, signaling a strategic move to modernise the sector.
Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, alongside major agro-industry players, recently completed a train-the-trainer certification programme at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, said the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to building strong institutional capacity and ensuring effective implementation of the SAPZ programme.
He explained that the training, facilitated by IITA in partnership with the Global Center on Adaptation, was designed for states selected by the African Development Bank Group under the second phase of the SAPZ initiative.
Boluwade noted that participants were exposed to key areas such as soil health management and seed systems development, equipping them with practical knowledge to drive sustainable farming and enhance agricultural output.
The programme also featured hands-on sessions, including field assessments and practical applications of digital soil mapping and fertility management tools. Participants were further trained in climate-resilient seed system digitisation to improve traceability and adaptability in the face of changing environmental conditions.
According to the Commissioner, the training placed strong emphasis on strengthening agricultural value chains, improving processing efficiency, and creating employment opportunities across the sector.
He added that the initiative aligns with the agricultural vision of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and is expected to significantly improve farmers’ productivity while deepening stakeholders’ understanding of climate change impacts.
Boluwade expressed confidence that the programme would accelerate the adoption of data-driven farming practices, enhance agro-processing capabilities, attract investors, and ultimately reinforce food security across Ekiti State.
