Hon. Tolulope Ige, Chairman of Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Nutrition and Food Security

Inauguration of the National Agricultural Growth and Agro Pocket Project in Ekiti State

It is with great pleasure and gratitude that I, Hon. Tolulope Ige, Chairman of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, acknowledge the remarkable efforts of His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, in inaugurating the National Agricultural Growth and Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP) Project in our beloved state. This initiative marks a significant milestone in our collective pursuit to boost agricultural production, enhance food security, and empower our hardworking farmers across Ekiti State.

Governor Oyebanji’s dedication to improving our agricultural sector is evident through his strategic plans and proactive measures. The establishment of the State Working Committee for NAGS-AP is a testament to his commitment. This Committee is tasked with ensuring that subsidized farm inputs, such as high-yield cassava stems, rice, maize seeds, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, reach the actual farmers, thereby creating a multiplier effect on agricultural output and achieving food sufficiency in the state.

The impact of these efforts is already being felt. Since Governor Oyebanji took office, there has been a noticeable reduction in malnourishment and food insecurity in Ekiti State. Data indicates a 15% decrease in malnutrition rates among children under five and a 10% increase in overall food production within the last year. These improvements are a direct result of the Governor’s agricultural policies and programs aimed at enhancing food security and supporting local farmers.

Furthermore, the Ekiti State House of Assembly is fully committed to addressing the challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition. We have been actively involved in legislative efforts to support and sustain these initiatives. Our committee has been working tirelessly to ensure that the necessary frameworks and policies are in place to support these programs and to oversee their effective implementation.

As part of our continuous efforts, we are currently participating in the ongoing workshop at the National Assembly of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security. This workshop, patronized by the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, with the support of all State Assembly Speakers, focuses on developing comprehensive strategies to combat food insecurity and malnutrition across the country. The recent inauguration of similar committees in the State Assemblies highlights the unified approach and commitment of the legislative arm in tackling these pressing issues.

The dual-headed monster of malnourishment and food insecurity is a menace that we all must tackle head-on. It is the responsibility of every stakeholder, from the government to the grassroots, to face this challenge collectively. With the continuous support of our state governors and the dedication of all involved parties, we are confident that we can significantly reduce these issues and ensure a healthier, more food-secure future for all Nigerians.

We urge all farmers in Ekiti State to embrace the NAGS-AP program fully, utilize the provided inputs effectively, and collaborate with the government to achieve our shared goals of food sufficiency and economic empowerment.

Together, we will overcome these challenges and build a prosperous and food-secure Ekiti State.


Hon. Tolulope Ige
Chairman, Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Nutrition and Food Security