Oyebanji’s Agricultural Revolution: Ekiti Eyes Forex Boom Through Palm Oil, Agro-Exports.

Oyebanji’s Agricultural Revolution: Ekiti Eyes Forex Boom Through Palm Oil, Agro-Exports.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

Ekiti State is steadily positioning itself as a frontline player in Nigeria’s agricultural renaissance under the purposeful leadership of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, with deliberate investments targeted at boosting production, enhancing value chains and unlocking export opportunities.

In a strong validation of the state’s strategic direction, the Agricultural Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (AMEAL) team recently visited Ekiti to understudy how the government is redefining the future of agriculture through evidence based policies and prudent public spending.

A major highlight of the visit was the inspection of the 200 acre Alayna Joel Memorial Farm in Ipoti Ekiti, established by former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Dr Segun Ajibola. The integrated farm stands as a model of modern agribusiness, combining oil palm, cassava, banana and yam cultivation with a fully operational palm oil processing mill.

The initiative aligns with Governor Oyebanji’s vision to deepen partnerships with private investors to scale agricultural productivity. With oil palm as a focal point, Ekiti is charting a bold course toward reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports and positioning the state as a major contributor to foreign exchange earnings.

For decades, Nigeria has lagged behind global competitors in palm oil production, relying heavily on imports from countries such as Malaysia. Ekiti’s renewed drive in the oil palm sector signals a strategic shift that seeks to restore Nigeria’s pride of place in global palm oil markets while cutting import expenditure.

In a major institutional call, key federal financing bodies such as the National Agricultural Development Fund and the Bank of Agriculture must strongly provide financial and technical support, the beauty of their backing will further enhance Ekiti’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Beyond the Alayna Joel Memorial Farm, Ekiti is also home to Agbeyewa Farms, further reinforcing the state’s emergence as an agricultural investment hub. With the operationalisation of the Ekiti Cargo Airport, the stage is set for seamless agro export, opening new windows for revenue generation and global market access.

The Oyebanji administration’s approach reflects accountability, sustainability and long term economic thinking, hallmarks of responsible governance.

As Ekiti harvests the gains of deliberate agricultural reforms, one message rings clear, continuity will consolidate these gains, expand export frontiers and secure prosperity for generations to come.

BAO till 2030. Sustaining the Agricultural Revolution. Securing Ekiti’s Prosperity.