To boost food security and rural livelihoods, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), in partnership with SwagCo & Odua Investment Company, has launched the sustainable development of Maize Micro-Enterprise Farmers Project in Ekiti State.
The initiative is designed to empower over 100 smallholder farmers in and around the state through enhanced access to inputs, sustainable agricultural practices and market access.
In a statement, Biodun Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti State, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to agricultural development as a pillar of economic transformation.
Represented by Niyi Adebayo, chief of staff to the Governor, he reiterated that the state is committed to agricultural transformation.
“Ekiti is ready for investment and partnership in agriculture. We encourage more collaborative efforts that prioritise the empowerment of our farmers and the sustainability of our food systems,” he said.
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On his part, Oludare Odusanya, general manager of BATNF described the initiative as a “transformative journey” that goes beyond an ordinary ceremonial event.
“This project is anchored on a simple but powerful vision: to boost maize productivity, promote climate-smart practices, and enable sustainable livelihoods for our farmers. We believe smallholder farmers are not just beneficiaries of development but drivers of it.”
The statement noted that as part of the programme, participating farmers will receive improved maize seed varieties that offer higher yield potential and greater resilience to changing climate conditions. They will also benefit from targeted agronomic training and extension services designed to embed smart, sustainable farming practices into their daily operations.
The foundation also acknowledged the crucial roles played by its technical partners. Odusanya further said the collaboration is a testament to what is possible when the public sector, private enterprise, and development organisations work hand-in-hand.
Addressing the smallholder farmers directly, he said: “You are the true champions of this project. Your hands shape our food systems. Your participation and dedication will catalyse agricultural transformation not only in Oke-Ako, but across Ekiti State.”
The statement disclosed that the project is expected to scale over the coming years, opening new opportunities for farmer-led micro-enterprises, youth engagement in agriculture, and value chain development.
