The Chairman of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) Alumni Association, Ekiti State Chapter, Pastor Adetunji Aribasoye, has called on the federal government to establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework for agricultural funds to ensure they are properly utilized.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti ahead of the association’s annual lecture and awards ceremony scheduled for March 31, 2025, Aribasoye commended the government’s increased investment in agriculture, including tractor distributions and financial support for farmers. However, he harped on the need for transparency and accountability to ensure these resources benefit genuine farmers and young Nigerians eager to participate in the sector.
Beyond advocacy, the EKSU Alumni Association is taking concrete steps to boost food security and empower students in agriculture. In collaboration with the university and the state government, the association has initiated large-scale farming projects.
The university allocated 10 hectares of land to the alumni body for farming, while an additional 5,000 hectares were designated to empower students in agricultural studies.
Under this initiative, students receive farmland and essential agricultural inputs, with a structured system ensuring their produce is purchased post-harvest.
The upcoming event will also recognize distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to society.
Among those to be honored are Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji; First Lady, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji; Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; EKSU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Babatola Ayodele; EKSU Alumni Global President, Engr. Dipo Bamisaye; and the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade.
