Gabriel Enenche —
Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, yesterday, flagged off the distribution of equipment to farmers, under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), aimed at promoting agribusiness in the state. Represented by the Deputy Gov. Bisi Egbeyemi, the governor while stating his administration’s commitment to the protection of the environment towards making it conducive and attractive for agriculture and protecting forest resources for the benefit of the state, added that it had made incentives available to boost agriculture in the state.
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The 66 years old Governor also added that his government chose to explore the NEWMAP option which is an intervention project by the Federal Government for the management of erosion and watershed challenges across the country, in its quest to transform agriculture in the state which he said is among the 23 states in the country participating in the World Bank-assisted project.
“This empowerment programme for farmers in Ekiti is one of the fulfillments of our promise to strengthen agriculture in our dear state and make it a business that can boost our economy, he said.
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“As a responsible government, we are leaving no stone unturned in our continued quest to move agriculture, which is the mainstay of our economy, from mere production of staple foods for farmers to thriving and sustainable agribusiness.
“In our quest to achieve improved economic status, we have also invested and done much, not only to support our farmers but also, to put the needed infrastructure that can enhance production and marketing of agriculture outputs in place,” he added.
Fayemi also said the programme was aimed at rehabilitating degraded lands, reducing erosion and flood disaster as well as creating new environment that would be hazard-free for the benefit of the people.
