Agbeyewa Farms Showcases Cassava Varieties at MSME Clinics, Gears Up for Cassava Revolution.

Agbeyewa Farms Showcases Cassava Varieties at MSME Clinics, Gears Up for Cassava Revolution.

Agbeyewa Farms Limited stole the show at the Expanded National MSME Clinics in Ado Ekiti, showcasing an impressive array of cassava stems and root varieties, yam tubers, maize cobs, and other agricultural products. The event, inaugurated by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, aimed to promote job opportunities amongst youth, boost food security and share prosperity for all.

At the Agbeyewa stand, visitors from across the country flocked to inquire about the various cassava varieties on display, including TME 419, Ayaya, TMS 0581 (Dixon), and White Lion. The company's Cassava Revolution initiative generated significant interest, with many seeking to learn how to participate in the upcoming program.

Agbeyewa Farms' exhibition showcased the company's commitment to improving food security and supporting smallholder farmers in Ekiti State. By displaying high-quality cassava stems and roots, yam tubers, and maize products, the company demonstrated its dedication to promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing post-harvest losses.

The event provided a platform for Agbeyewa Farms to connect with potential partners, customers, and farmers, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. The company's participation in the Expanded National MSME Clinics highlights its role in driving economic growth and development in Nigeria's agricultural sector.

As the Cassava Revolution initiative gains momentum, Agbeyewa Farms is poised to play a vital role in transforming Nigeria's agricultural landscape. By providing high-quality cassava stems and roots, the company is empowering smallholder farmers to increase their yields and improve their livelihoods. With its commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security, Agbeyewa Farms is a shining example of innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria's agricultural sector.

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FG approves establishment of additional ICT hub in Ekiti.

FG approves establishment of additional ICT hub in Ekiti.

.…as Vice President Shettima inaugurates 3rd Expanded National MSME Clinics in Ekiti.

The Federal Government on Thursday announced plans to establish an Information Communication Technology (ICT) hub in Ekiti State in addition to the newly inaugurated MSME Clinics Garment Hub in a bid to further enhance economic growth in the state.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shetima disclosed this in Ado Ekiti on Thursday while declaring open the 3rd Expanded National MSME Clinics at Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado- Ekiti. He said the project would be completed within 90 days.

The Vice President revealed that the new ICT hub was in honour of the request made by Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the creation of an ICT hub during his last visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking about the MSME Clinics, the Vice President said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s efforts at resuscitating the country’s economy and promoting an economically friendly environment, in fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s electioneering promises. 

He disclose that the President had also approved the payment of 150,000 naira grant to 365 outstanding beneficiaries of the MSMEs at the Ekiti Fashion and Garment hub.

While acknowledging the support of South West region for the emergence of President Tinubu as President of Nigeria, the Vice President remarked that President Tinubu’s led-Federal Government has shown zeal and passion to set Nigeria on the path of prosperity.  

 

“The future of work isn’t just about acquiring skills, the future of work is about cultivating a sustainable ecosystem where people can consistently learn and re-learn skills in demand, the world as we know it evolves every day and so should we. This is why we are here today in Ado Ekiti to fulfill the promises we have made to the people, and there is no nobler way to appeal to the Land of Honour and integrity than by ensuring that we not only expanding the labour markets but also supporting skills”

”Governor Oyebanji visited the Presidentila Villa in Abuja for a briefing on preparation for the launch of the MSME clinic and took the opportunity to request for the establishment of another ICT facility in Ado Ekiti, I have conveyed his request to the President who has graciously approved the creation of an additional ICT hub which will be completed within 90 days”

“President Tinubu has also directed me to ensure that all outstanding exhibiting MSMEs at the clinic today received a grant of 150,000 naira each. Said the Vice President, who also praised the Governor for being development- focused and for his inclusive governance style. 

In his own remark, Ekiti state Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji expressed his profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support for Ekiti State and for the establishment of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the state, the initiative which according to the Governor would bolster the state’s economic growth by providing essential service and resources to local entrepreneur and small business owners.

He revealed that the MSME clinic remains a testament to the President’s commitment to empowering grassroots business and thereby fostering sustainable economic development in the country

Governor Oyebanji who noted that access to opportunities has been the major challenge of Ekiti people, lauded the President Tinubu’s led-Federal Government for providing various developmental platforms for the of the state which was in line with the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

Highlighting various achievement administration in the last one and half years which include, construction of over 126 kilometres of roads, renovation of 11 general hospitals, reconnection of more than 50 communities back to power grid, intervention in Agriculture sector, among others, the Governor maintained that he will continue to partner with the federal government, development partners and individuals who can help him realize the shared prosperity agenda of his government

“Please sir, convey our deepest appreciation to Mr President, Mr President has been a father indeed, everything he promised us when he came here during campaign is fulfilling them as we stand here today, Your Excellency, we are constructing over 216 kilometres of roads across Ekiti State , we are intervening in the health sector, we are renovating 11 general hospital across the state, we have connected more than 50 communities that had not had electricity for the past 15 to 16 years, we have revamp our agric centres.

“the only challenge we have and which has been a very big headeach for me is to provide access and opportunities for our private sectors players and the informal sector and you are here today to do that, am extremely grateful sir”. The Governor asserted. 

Earlier, the Vice President had commissioned the newly constructed Omisanjana- Deeper Life- Ajebandele Road as well as the MSME clinics Garment Hub. He also visited the Adire Ekiti Hub where he was taken round the workshop by the Wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji. 

The Vice President had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe where he was received by the Ewi in Council and prominent leaders of the town as well as representatives of the state council of traditional rulers. 

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake and Permanent Secretary State House, Engr Funso Adebiyi accompanied the Vice President on the visit. 

The Vice President was received at the Akure airport by the state Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye. He later boarded a chopper which landed at the Ekiti State Government House at around 12 noon.

Adire Ekiti A Laudable Initiative For Youth Empowerment, Says VP Shettima.

Adire Ekiti A Laudable Initiative For Youth Empowerment, Says VP Shettima.

... Showers encomium on Oyebanji, wife for life changing policies.

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has described the Adire Ekiti initiative of the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, as a laudable economic initiative for the empowerment of youths in the state.

Senator Shettima made the remarks on Thursday when he paid a visit to the Adire Ekiti Hub located along Iworoko Road in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, as part of his one-day official visit to the Land of Honour.

The Vice President, who was accompanied to the Adire Ekiti Hub by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake; Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye and other eminent personalities, was received by Dr. Oyebanji and the donor of the facility, Senator Babafemi Ojudu.

Senator Shettima has described the  initiative of training unemployed people in tye and dye known locally as Adire as one of the best means aimed at empowering hundreds of Ekiti youth from the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

Vice President Shettima commended the First Lady for coming up with an initiative to give economic empowerment to hundreds of Ekiti youths and giving them an opportunity to be job creators.

He described Dr. Oyebanji as "a worthy princess, intelligent and brilliant woman committed to the development of Ekiti State who is complementing her husband in making life easier for the masses"

The nation's number two citizen said Ekiti has never had it so good with Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the saddle being complemented by a wife who is passionate for better welfare for the citizens of the state.

Some of the facilities at the Adire Ekiti Hub visited by the august visitor included the pavilion occupied by some of the trainees, the workshop where many of them are working and the gallery where beautiful Adire fabrics were on display.

Apparently impressed with what he saw on ground, Vice President Shettima donated N5 million to Adire Hub on behalf of President Bola Tinubu to the admiration of the trainees and other guests present.

Vice President Shettima urged the entire people of the state to unite and support Governor Oyebanji for sustainable development of the state and change the Ekiti narrative for better.

Earlier in her remarks, Dr. Oyebanji gave an overview of how Adire Ekiti initiative and the Hub started telling the Vice President that the facility housing the centre was donated by a former National Assembly member, Senator Ojudu.

Dr. Oyebanji explained that 200 youths from Ekiti Central Senatorial District had undergone training under the first phase from which 30 were selected from the Masters Class to train another batch of 200 trainees from Ekiti South Senatorial District presently undergoing training

The First Lady added that the fabrics from Adire Ekiti Hub are very much in demand locally and from people in Diaspora, groups, trade unions, among others.

According to her, the Adire Ekiti Hub was her humble initiative to give youths and women economic empowerment and self fulfillment noting that the first batch of trainees were given start-up packs and financial support after concluding their training.

She therefore solicited the support of the Federal Government on the project primarily targeted at making the jobless become self reliant and employers of labour.

The trainees who were excited to receive the Vice President hailed Governor Oyebanji and his wife for giving them an opportunity to be trained in a craft that would assist them to be owners of their personal businesses.

The First Lady presented Adire fabrics of various colours to the Vice President after he inspected the gallery admiring the products made by trainees at the Hub.

First Lady Lists Gains Of Adire Ekiti To Local Economy.

First Lady Lists Gains Of Adire Ekiti To Local Economy. 

....Flags Off Training for 200 Beneficiaries from Ekiti South Senatorial District.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has listed the benefits of the production of local fabrics known as Adire Ekiti to the human capital development and the growth of Small and Medium Enterprise in the Land of Honour.

Dr. Oyebanji disclosed that within three months of its launch, Adire Ekiti has taken many youths off the streets, given them a source of livelihood and provided a ready market the products many of which are being demanded locally and internationally.

Besides, Dr. Oyebanji disclosed that Adire Ekiti has contributed immensely to reduction of capital flight from the state as more residents, indigenes and citizens of the state now patronize the Adire Ekiti Hub for the products rather than taking their money outside the state to purchase similar products elsewhere.

The First Lady made the remarks on Wednesday during the official flag off of the Second Phase of training of Adire Ekiti scheme for 200 beneficiaries from Ekiti South Senatorial District held at Adire Ekiti Hub, Ado Ekiti.

According to her, the commemorative attires used by the Ekiti State Councils of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Unions Congress (TUC) during the last May Day Celebration were produced at the Adire Ekiti Hub by the graduands of the first batch whose products were also patronized by the House of Assembly members and the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).

She said a good number of the graduands from the first batch of the scheme now have businesses of their own after being empowered with cash and start-up kits to assist them to kickstart their trade after undergoing the necessary training at the Hub.

Dr. Oyebanji noted that the success story Adire Ekiti has become should inspire the newly admitted trainees to give their best in learning the craft and responding to training to give themselves economic empowerment and also become a success story for those coming behind.

Flagging off the second phase, Dr. Oyebanji said: "This initiative represents our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage while empowering our youths with valuable skills for economic independence.

"Adire, a beautiful expression of our rich cultural tapestry, holds immense potential for job creation and economic growth. As you embark on this journey, I encourage you to embrace creativity, dedication, and excellence.

"The skills you acquire here will not only uplift you individually but also contribute to the collective prosperity of our state.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our partners and trainers for their support. Together, we are building a brighter future for Ekiti State."

The First Lady however, appreciated her husband Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for making available his personal money to support her initiative noting that the scheme wouldn't have been possible without the support of the state's number one citizen.

Earlier in her remarks, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, who led political office holders from Ekiti South Senatorial District to the training flag off, said the Oyebanji Administration accords priority to entrepreneurship to boost the local economy and create more jobs.

Mrs Afuye hailed the Governor and the First Lady for their commitment in using Adire Ekiti to bring the shared prosperity agenda of the administration into reality noting that history would be kind to them for touching many homes in the state with the laudable initiative.

She said the First Lady has immortalized herself in the hearts of the beneficiaries as none of them would easily forget her gesture of coming up with the economic initiative adding that the Oyebanji Administration would continue to come up with policies that will make the lives of the citizens better.

While describing Adire Ekiti as an empowerment opportunity that must be taken seriously, the Deputy Governor urged the trainees to use the scheme to develop themselves noting that they could become millionaires in the future from the Adire business because of its bright prospects in the local and international markets.

Technical Advisor to the Governor on Enterprise Development who is also the Coordinator of Adire Ekiti Hub, Dr. Abimbola Oni, said the training of beneficiaries from Ekiti South was in fulfillment of the First Lady's vision to give opportunities to trainees from all the three senatorial zones.

She thanked individuals and groups who have patronized the Adire Ekiti Hub noting that demands for the products are increasing everyday from within and outside Nigeria.

The ALGON Chairman in the state, Hon. Olusegun Ojo, said Adire Ekiti has positively projected the image of the state within the short time of its existence urging the trainees to see the training as stepping stone to greatness.

Hon. Ojo, the Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government who led other Chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas from Ekiti South to the flag off ceremony, said the council chiefs would continue to support Governor Oyebanji to take the state to greater heights.

One of the trainees, Mrs. Yetunde Adamu, appreciated the Governor and the First Lady for the opportunity and promised the readiness of the trainees to give the training their best shot for them to become a success story and even do better than members of the first batch.

𝐄𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐢 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬.

𝐄𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐢 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬.

The Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Mrs. Tayo Adeola, met with a delegation from Cavista Holdings led by Mr. Dele Odufeye to discuss and review various projects and collaborations with the Ekiti State Government. 

Central to their discussions was the implementation plan for the multi-billion naira Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cavista Holdings to establish a state-of-the-art cassava farm spanning 100,000 hectares in Ekiti State.

The proposed cassava project is expected to significantly boost the agricultural sector, creating numerous job opportunities and enhancing the state's economic growth. Mrs. Adeola expressed her enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to position Ekiti State as a leading cassava producer in Nigeria and contribute to the nation's food security.

"We are excited about this collaboration with Cavista Holdings. The establishment of the cassava farm is a monumental step towards achieving agricultural sustainability and economic development in Ekiti State," Mrs. Adeola stated.

In addition to the cassava farm project, discussions also covered the progress and level of work done at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort. The resort, a key tourist attraction in Ekiti State, has been undergoing significant upgrades to enhance its facilities and services. Mrs. Adeola and the Cavista Holdings delegation reviewed the ongoing developments and explored further opportunities to boost tourism in the region.

Cavista Holdings expressed their commitment to supporting the Ekiti State Government in these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable development.

VP Shettima To Declare Open Third National MSMEs Business Clinics In Ekiti.

VP Shettima To Declare Open Third National MSMEs Business Clinics In Ekiti.

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, is set to declare open the Third Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Business Clinics in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Thursday, June 6.

According to a statement by the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, the event will hold at the Bishop Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Old Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, at 9am.

The MSMEs Business Clinics, a collaborative effort between the Federal and Ekiti State governments, aims to enhance the ease of doing business in the state. The forum provides an opportunity for small business owners to interact with key Federal Government agencies and regulatory bodies, seeking lasting solutions to challenges hindering MSMEs development.

The focus areas include access to capital, business formalization, product advertising, and more. The Commissioner reiterated the commitment of the Governor Oyebanji administration to MSMEs development, as enshrined in the state's Youth Development and Job Creation, Infrastructure and Industrialization, and Human Capital Development pillars.

Entrepreneurs in the state are urged to take advantage of the government's gesture by attending the event and utilizing the opportunities provided to strengthen the sector.

The MSMEs Business Clinics promise to be a significant boost to small businesses in Ekiti State, and stakeholders are eager to explore the benefits.

EKSG Disburses N30.5m to Retirees Under CPS.

EKSG Disburses N30.5m to Retirees Under CPS.

In a bid to ensure speedy payment of retirement benefits, the Ekiti State Government has disbursed a whopping sum of N30.5 million to 30 retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Distributing the Payment Documents to the beneficiaries in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, promised that no retiree will be denied of his inalienable benefits after retiring from the service of the state in line with his policy.

The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, disclosed that the beneficiaries represent the fourth batch that received payments under the CPS, describing the policy as a game changer that will help in buffering the sufferings of the pensioners.

Speaking about the kernel of the scheme, Oyebanji said the CPS was conceptualised to ensure future financial security for the retirees, assuring that his government won’t dash the hope of pensioners or make them wait for too long before savouring their benefits.

“Considering the tremendous success the CPS had recorded in Ekiti State, efforts are on top gear to expand the coverage of the scheme by migrating all public servants, except those who will be retiring before 31st December, 2028 and the Justices from the Defined Benefit Scheme(DBS) to CPS.

“The DBS which had become unfashionable all over the world, is bedeviled with the problem of huge arrears of unpaid gratuity among other challenges that have rendered the scheme unsustainable.

“But the CPS is designed in such a way that when employees retire, they get their retirement benefits promptly. The CPS has come to stay in Ekiti. Since its inception, retirees under the scheme had been enjoying their retirement benefits without delay.

“Let me assure you of the commitment of Ekiti State government to the welfare of all workforce and the good people of the state”.

Oyebanji urged the beneficiaries to refrain from financial profligacy or indulgence in acts that could rob them of the benefit by being prudent, cautious and focus in their spendings after being paid the entitlements.

Applauding the governor for prioritising the welfare of pensioners, the Chairman, Ekiti chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners(NUP), Com. Joel Akinola, said Governor Oyebanji had demonstrated enough love for his members through prompt payment of their gratuities, urging them to reciprocate the gesture by being supportive to the current government.

“It was like Governor Biodun Oyebanji is a God sent to pensioners. With the way he has been prioritising our welfare. The governor has tried and we are happy with him. Governor Oyebanji was sent to deliver pensioners from sufferings. He is here to flesh up our bones and give us good lives.

“We should all complement Governor Oyebanji’s gesture by investing this money wisely. Don’t squander this opportunity. Invest in something that can give you gains. Eat well and prioritise your health needs, so that your labour won’t be in vain”, Akinola stated.

In his submission, the Special Advisor on Pension Matters to the Governor, Com. Pius Owolabi, disclosed that Governor Oyebanji was responding positively to the Pensioners’ slogan that “Rest is Sweet After Payment” with expeditious payment of all benefits due to retirees.

Owolabi said the CPS under Oyebanji won’t be aborted nor scuttled through anti-pensioner policies, describing the governor as retiree-friendly and a strong believer in the doctrine of commensurate reward for those who had worked hard during their productive days to serve Ekiti State.

The Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Pension Commission, Mrs Omotola Faseluka, described the CPS as a universal cure to the recurrent and painful cases of prolonged indebtedness of retirement benefits, saying Oyebanji shall work in tandem with the kernel of the policy to make lives more abundant for pensioners.

Faseluka added that the payment was a confident- booster and strong indication that the current government maintains high proclivity to fulfilling its obligations to the senior citizens, by keeping to the prompt payment of benefits under the CPS.