The Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola, has announced plans to establish an Ekiti Farmers’ House to promote large-scale and productive modern farming in the state.
Babalola disclosed this in Ado Ekiti on Saturday at the 2026 Afe Babalola Agricultural Expo, with the theme, ‘AI for every farmer: Farming Smarter, producing more and earning better’, where farmers from the 16 local government areas of the state showcased their farm produce.
He said the annual agricultural expo, which began in 2015, was founded on his vision of making agriculture popular and acceptable as a noble profession, particularly against the backdrop of some people abandoning farming for white-collar and menial jobs.
The ABUAD founder, who is also a farmer, appreciated farmers in the country and Ekiti State for forging ahead despite challenges associated with farming in Nigeria, including kidnapping, robbery and herdsmen invasion.
He said, “The proposed Ekiti Farmers’ House will have a secretariat which will be inviting members for meetings and allies’ matters.
“In addition, and in partnership with the state government and the 16 local government areas of the state, the Farmers’ House will acquire modern farm implements including ridgers, ploughs and harvesters which the Ekiti Farmers’ House will be renting to farmers at low rates.
“Through this scheme, farmers will be able to hire agricultural implements from the local government to engage in large-scale and productive modern farming.
“This way, Nigerians, particularly our youths and university graduates, will imbibe modern agriculture. It is possible. It is practicable, and it is achievable. This will encourage more people to take to farming in the overall interest of the country,” Babalola said.
As part of his encouragement for farmers, Babalola presented cash rewards to outstanding farmers from the different local government areas of the state at the event.
The overall best farmer in Ekiti State received the star prize of N2m, while the best three farmers in each of the 16 local government areas received N350,000 in total, broken down into N200,000 for first place, N100,000 for second and N50,000 for third.
In addition, two youths from each of the 16 local government areas, who were trained in plantain chips production, packaging and marketing under the Afe Babalola Youth Empowerment programme, received equipment to start the business, courtesy of the ABUAD Chancellor.
The ABUAD founder advised the winners to “invest whatever you win wisely and judiciously, bearing in mind that the richest people in the world today started from nothing”, while urging the youths to make the best of the training and equipment they had received to improve their lives.
The Oore of Otun Ekiti and Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, hailed the ABUAD Chancellor for the annual agricultural expo and his consistent encouragement of farmers.
The Oore, who expressed happiness over Babalola’s gestures towards farmers and youths, said, “We are very happy and grateful to the elder statesman and great son of Ekiti State, Aare Afe Babalola, for always encouraging farmers to be their best in all they do, thereby impacting on the overall economy of the nation”.
Oba Adeagbo, who stressed the role of agriculture in development and nation-building, said, “Food security is key to a wealthy and healthy nation. Without healthy and fresh food, one’s capacity to perform effectively in whatever field will reduce.
“Availability of healthy food provided by the local farmers will go a long way to boost the economic capacity of our dear country, Nigeria,” the frontline monarch said.
The Oore also lauded Babalola for promoting modern agricultural practices among farmers in the state through the expo, describing this year’s theme, ‘AI for every farmer: Farming smarter, producing more and earning better’, as apt.
He congratulated the youths for benefiting from Babalola’s gesture and advised them to use the equipment effectively to improve their livelihoods and impact others.
The monarch also congratulated the best farmer and other prize winners, as well as the farmers whose produce was displayed at the expo.
The ABA-EX Local Organising Committee Chairman, Prof Abiodun Ojo, hailed Babalola, saying his commitment to the annual expo “over the years has transformed it from an agricultural exposition to a powerful platform for recognition, encouragement, empowerment and sustainable agricultural development.
“Your generosity towards our farmers and our young people is a demonstration of your enduring belief in the capacity of the people of Ekiti State to prosper through agriculture and enterprise,” Ojo said.
