EKITI TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ATASP-II PROGRAMME
Ekiti State has been shortlisted to participate in the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase Two (ATASP-II) following Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s expression of interest in the second phase of the programme.
ATASP-II, a flagship agricultural development initiative under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, is funded by the African Development Bank and Federal Government of Nigeria and designed to accelerate agricultural transformation by enhancing food and nutrition security, alleviating poverty, generating employment, creating wealth, improving rural access and accessibility, and facilitating financial services and markets for benefiting communities.
The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, who made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, disclosed that the update was conveyed through a letter dated 27th February 2026 and signed by the Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.
Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun stated that development aligns with the Oyebanji administration’s drive for agricultural transformation, agribusiness development, and sustained efforts to guarantee food security in the state.
According to him, Governor Biodun Oyebanji is focused on transforming agriculture in Ekiti State into a modern, business-driven sector that boosts food security, creates jobs, and drives economic growth, adding that his approach positions agriculture as a cornerstone of economic development and job creation in the state.
Stressing the State Government’s determination to leverage federal partnerships and international development support to deepen agricultural transformation, Olatunbosun stated that the Oyebanji administration remains unwavering in its efforts to improve livelihoods and ensure sustainable food systems across the State.
The Commissioner lauded the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Ekiti for demonstrating readiness and dedication to the successful implementation of the programme, expressing optimism about sustained collaboration between the Federal Ministry and Ekiti State as the process advances.
He further recalled that earlier in the year, Ekiti State was also officially selected for Phase Two of the Nigeria Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, a major initiative backed by the African Development Bank and the Federal Government to strengthen agricultural value chains, with a focus on processing key crops such as cocoa, cassava, and palm oil.
“The SAPZ project is expected to create thousands of jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and attract significant private sector investment”, he stated.
He added that the first phase of the programme, ATASP-I, focused primarily on improving agricultural productivity at the smallholder farmer level through irrigation development, rural road construction, improved access to inputs, and the strengthening of farmer cooperatives. While ATASP-II concentrated on boosting food production and farmers’ incomes at the grassroots, complementary initiatives such as the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) are designed to build industrial and processing capacity for value addition—thereby strengthening different stages of the agricultural value chain.
@Ebenbolu Thanks for this great initiative, Hon. A huge step in the right direction as far as sustainable agriculture is concerned. With Ekiti being a model state, all efforts must be put in place to make sure cocoa products in the state meet up with international acceptable standards.
HRH Princess Nere Emiko Tereba,38yr old daughter of the late 19th King (Olu) of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II (1987-2015), and sister of the current King (Olu) of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III
She is the first and youngest person in Nigeria to process gold domestically.
@TheoAbuAgada Coming from someone with zero stake in OYO PDP. I wouldn't blame him thou, he has bullied Fubara way too far hence his belief that every sitting governor can be bullied by him and his group of shenanigans!!!
@THISDAYLIVE It's shameful the presidency is now using impeachment as a tool to checkmate a sitting governor. One would have thought that as a former governor, BAT will fully grasp that the minister is halting developmental trajectory in the state but no, he's looking after his self interest.
@Oyoaffairs Was Makinde not part of the Wike's G5? He wasn't a vagabond during their grand conspiracy against their party presidential candidate, I guess their romance is finally over and Seyi is back to default setting.
This is ridiculous, horrific and highly despicable. A perfect example of politics with bitterness, this negate everything a responsible government should stand for. My sincere sympathies @HEBobiwine May the good Lord shine his light on your family these trying times.
Hundreds of soldiers descended on our home in Magere last night. Most were dressed in SFC uniforms while others were in regular UPDF uniforms and others in plain clothes. Many of them were drunk. They came with ladders, ready to climb upstairs. They broke our doors and forced themselves into our house. Using hammers, they hit walls, window glasses, and doors. They put my wife on gunpoint, asking her to reveal my whereabouts. They stole money, numerous valuable documents, and all electronic gadgets. They took phones, laptops, chargers, our internet system, our CCTV system, speakers, and any electronic gadget they could lay their criminal hands on. They entered every part of our house, including the ceiling, and left so much destruction everywhere. They grabbed my wife's phone, forced her to sit down, and ordered her to remove her password. She refused. They strangled her and insulted her. They forcefully removed her blouse and took pictures! Speaking Runyakore, they asked why she would get married to a muganda, and why we would dare challenge Museveni.
They beat up our askari and house maid. They ordered the askari to show them where the basement is, where I was hiding. These criminals asked where my children were!
My wife was rushed to hospital where she remains admitted - dealing with all the physical and psychological trauma. Yet in all this, we remain firm in our belief that UGANDA WILL BE FREE.
to get General Obasanjo released from unlawful detention back in the Abacha regime, and also immerse her contribution to national development, most especially her significant role in ensuring gender equality in our society. Rest on Matriach!! 2/2
Madam Stella Obansanjo alongside Maryam Babaginda and Madam Gowon belonged to an exclusive list of Nigeria's most radiant and dutiful first ladies ever. Even as I reflect on the anniversary of her passing, I call to remembrance every of her efforts and international consultations