Aare Afe Babalola, the Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, has announced plans to establish an Ekiti Farmers’ House to promote large-scale and productive modern farming in Ekiti State. This announcement was made at the 2026 Afe Babalola Agricultural Expo, held in Ado Ekiti. The expo, which began in 2015, aims to make agriculture a popular and acceptable profession. This year's theme was ‘AI for every farmer: Farming Smarter, producing more and earning better’.
The annual agricultural expo had farmers from the 16 local government areas of Ekiti State showcasing their farm produce. Babalola, also a farmer, appreciated the efforts of farmers in Nigeria and Ekiti State, who continue to face challenges such as kidnapping, robbery, and herdsmen invasion. He emphasized the importance of modern agriculture and encouraged Nigerians, particularly youths and university graduates, to take up farming.
As part of his encouragement for farmers, Babalola presented cash rewards to outstanding farmers from different local government areas of the state. The overall best farmer in Ekiti State received N2m, while the best three farmers in each of the 16 local government areas received a total of N350,000. Additionally, two youths from each local government area, trained in plantain chips production, packaging, and marketing, received equipment to start their business.
The proposed Ekiti Farmers’ House will have a secretariat and will acquire modern farm implements, including ridgers, ploughs, and harvesters, in partnership with the state government and local government areas. These implements will be rented to farmers at low rates, enabling them to engage in large-scale and productive modern farming. Babalola believes this initiative will encourage more people to take up farming.
The Oore of Otun Ekiti and Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, praised Babalola for the annual agricultural expo and his consistent encouragement of farmers. The monarch stressed the role of agriculture in development and nation-building, emphasizing that food security is key to a wealthy and healthy nation. He also congratulated the youths who benefited from Babalola’s gesture and advised them to use the equipment effectively.
The ABA-EX Local Organising Committee Chairman, Prof Abiodun Ojo, hailed Babalola for his commitment to the annual expo, which has transformed it into a powerful platform for recognition, encouragement, empowerment, and sustainable agricultural development. Ojo appreciated Babalola’s generosity towards farmers and young people, demonstrating his belief in the capacity of the people of Ekiti State to prosper through agriculture and enterprise.
Babalola advised the winners to invest their rewards wisely, emphasizing that the richest people in the world started from nothing. He also urged the youths to make the best of the training and equipment they received to improve their lives. The event showcased the potential of agriculture in Ekiti State and highlighted the importance of modern farming practices.
Key points
- Afe Babalola announces plans to establish an Ekiti Farmers’ House to promote modern farming in the state.
- Outstanding farmers in Ekiti State receive cash rewards and equipment at the 2026 Afe Babalola Agricultural Expo.
- The Ekiti Farmers’ House will provide modern farm implements to farmers at low rates to encourage large-scale and productive farming.
