“This will have multiplier effect on job creation around here and it will bring impactful economic improvement to all Moba communities. It will bring about increase in internally generated revenue”
By John Odunayo
It was an atmosphere of joy at Otun Ekiti in the Moba Local Government areas of Ekiti State on Tuesday as officials of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) visited the proposed goat farming hub in the community.
The commercial goat farming hub planned to be established in Otun Ekiti, is a project to be undertaken through L-PRES, an initiative funded by the World Bank, Federal Government and the state government. It is designed to enhance goat production, promote agribusiness, and strengthen the goat value chain in the state.
The project is aimed at boosting livestock production particularly the sheep and goat value chain and improving the livelihoods of rural farmers in the state.
The Oore of Otun Ekiti and the Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo, expressed joy that a project of that magnitude is to be established in the town during his reign.
Oba Adeagbo, who spoke while receiving the L-PRES team in Otun Ekiti, appreciated Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, for making the development a possibility.
The monarch, who expressed joy over the positive effects that the project would have on his town and the area, said, “This will have multiplier effect on job creation around here and it will bring impactful economic improvement to all Moba communities. It will bring about increase in internally generated revenue.
“The initiative will open new economic opportunities for farmers and youth in our area,” Oba Adeagbo said as he pledged the support of the traditional institution to ensure sustainability by taking ownership of the hub.
L-PRES State Project Coordinator, Mr Olayinka Adedipe, said the project is aimed at transforming livestock sector and improve productivity, commercialization of targeted livestock production in the state.
Adedipe, who commended the Oore and the people of Otun Ekiti for their enthusiasm for the project, expressed his admiration for the traditional ruler’s style of leadership and selflessness.
The project coordinator, who said that the monarch’s gestures demonstrated his love for his people and community and unwavering commitment to the development of the kingdom, prayed for long Iife and good health for Oba Adeagbo.
L-PRES Value Chain Officer, Mrs Adenike Omoleye, had said at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado Ekiti earlier that the goat hub would not only enhance productivity, but would also provide farmers access to veterinary services, input supply, and structured markets.
She noted that the project would strengthen market access and increase income for goat farmers in the state.
Omoleye said that women and youth will play a central role in the project’s implementation, adding, “The Goat Hub is expected to serve as a central point for aggregation, processing and distribution of goat products within and outside the state, while linking farmers to both local and international markets”.
