By Faridat Salifu
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Olapeju Babafemi, has called on women and young farmers to take the lead in transforming agriculture into a modern, profitable enterprise in the state.
At a recent forum in Ado‑Ekiti, Babafemi emphasised that beyond traditional farming, there are new opportunities in agro-processing, digital agriculture, and value-chain services that can create jobs and increase incomes.
“Women and youth have the energy, creativity, and resilience to drive agribusiness innovation,” she said, encouraging participants to explore untapped markets and adopt technology-driven approaches that improve productivity and profitability.
The commissioner noted that the state government is creating enabling policies, training programs, and access to finance to support this new generation of agripreneurs, while also fostering partnerships that connect farmers to larger domestic and international markets.
Analysts say Ekiti’s focus on empowering women and youth in agriculture could accelerate economic diversification, improve food security, and position the state as a hub for innovative agribusiness in the southwest.