Ojuawo Empowerment Farm Hosts Christmas Get-Together in Ogbese.

Ojuawo Empowerment Farm Hosts Christmas Get-Together in Ogbese.

The Ojuawo Empowerment Farm, Ogbese, became a hub of festivities on Friday as it hosted a Christmas get-together to celebrate the yuletide season with its principal, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, and other dignitaries.

In a carnival-like atmosphere, farmers, stakeholders, and guests gathered to share a feast featuring the traditional delicacy, "Iyan Oko," symbolizing the farm’s unique way of marking Christmas and the year’s end.

Engr. Bayo Babalotin, the farm's supervisor, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to Hon. Ojuawo and other guests for their presence. He described the event as an opportunity to bond as a family while sharing plans for the coming season.

"We've already begun preparations for the next farming cycle, focusing on the nursery stage and improving our irrigation process. This feast underscores our tradition of eating together as a family," Engr. Babalotin said.

A highlight of the event was when Hon. Ojuawo joined the food preparation team, displaying his skills in pounding yam. His gesture resonated deeply with the farmers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.

Several prominent figures, including Hon. Ropo Ogunbolude and Hon. Femi Babalola, APC chieftains from Ise Ekiti, accompanied Hon. Ojuawo. They encouraged the farmers to boost crop production, emphasizing the dual benefits of increased income and food security for Ekiti State.

Hon. Bamikole Ayodele, the Executive Chairman of Ise/Orun Local Government and special guest at the occasion, commended Hon. Ojuawo’s commitment to agricultural development.

"This initiative aligns perfectly with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s vision for food sufficiency in Ekiti State. It is a noble cause, and I will continue to support projects that bring relief to our people," Ayodele said.

In his remarks, Hon. Ojuawo lauded the farmers for their dedication, assuring them of continued support to achieve even greater milestones in the coming year. He revealed plans to expand the farm's operations with the addition of 10 hectares of land, courtesy of Governor Oyebanji’s administration.

"With the bulldozer provided by the governor, we will cultivate an additional 10 hectares, bringing our total to 25 hectares next season. This empowerment farm is designed to create employment opportunities across the value chain, from planting to finished products. I remain committed to providing the necessary logistics and support," Hon. Ojuawo said.

Other dignitaries at the event included Hon. Ojuawo’s wife and a former House of Assembly member representing Ise/Orun, Hon. Deji Ajayi. They applauded the farmers for their cooperation and resilience, highlighting their vital role in the farm's progress.

The Christmas get-together ended with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen the farm’s impact on food security and employment generation in Ekiti State.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM