Ekiti Broiler Scheme Empowers Youths, Tackles Unemployment – Commissioner.

Ekiti Broiler Scheme Empowers Youths, Tackles Unemployment – Commissioner.

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to job creation and youth empowerment through its Broiler Production Scheme.

Speaking during an inspection visit to the Erifun Broiler Production Centre in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, Boluwade described the initiative as a strategic move to reduce unemployment and equip youths with sustainable agribusiness skills. The Commissioner noted that the ongoing cycle of the programme—now in its seventh edition—has continued to yield impressive results, with many participants becoming self-reliant.

“This initiative is not just a training programme; it is an empowerment project aimed at preparing participants for life beyond the scheme. Each graduate from the last cycle walked away with nearly N1 million in profits, and the current participants are on track to receive similar benefits,” Boluwade said.

He further revealed that the World Bank has commenced plans to establish Poultry Clusters across Ekiti, with priority access to be given to graduates of the Broiler Scheme.

In a bid to further enhance participant welfare, the Commissioner also announced a 20 percent increase in monthly stipends—from N50,000 to N60,000.

“This is our seventh cycle. The money and profit generated from the programme belong to the participants. They are essentially working for themselves and learning the ropes of the poultry business. We’re currently operating in Erifun, Ikole, Ilupeju, and Ido, with over 100 participants. However, not all of them may graduate,” he explained.

Boluwade also warned participants against mismanaging the grants, urging them to invest in purposeful ventures that will generate income and drive the state’s agricultural economy.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ojo Babatope, also emphasized the Ministry’s vision of using agriculture as a vehicle to create employment and wealth, particularly among young people.

Participants of the programme, Afesojaye Aderemi and Abdulfatai Ayomide, commended the initiative, noting that it has opened doors to numerous opportunities. They called on fellow youths to embrace agriculture, describing it as a viable alternative to the pursuit of elusive white-collar jobs.

The Broiler Production Scheme remains one of the key interventions under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to diversify the state’s economy and empower its teeming youth population through agribusiness.