The community of Oke Ako in the Ajoni Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State has made an earnest appeal to Governor Biodun Oyebanji to consider establishing an agricultural institution atop their fertile lands. In a letter addressed to the governor, Princess Tinuade Ogunbiyi, the Regent of Oke Ako, underscored the area’s rich agricultural potential and the past successes of farming institutions that had previously operated there. The community is rich in arable land, and Ogunbiyi emphasized that this terrain could effectively support a college of agriculture alongside other related facilities, which would not only foster educational advancements but also boost local agricultural development.
Oke Ako has a historical backdrop of successful agricultural projects, having hosted several institutions over the years, such as the Western Region Agricultural and Rural Development Corporation in 1952 and the National Agricultural and Development Agency in 1992. The Regent pointed out that these institutions thrived due to the fertile soil and the supportive community attitude, which makes Oke Ako ideally positioned for future agricultural ventures. The appeal for the establishment of a dedicated agricultural institution builds on the sentiment that such an initiative could harness the region’s agricultural capabilities and promote sustainable practices, thereby enhancing the local economy and providing educational opportunities for the youth.
Highlighting the unique qualities of Ajoni’s hospitable lands, Ogunbiyi presented several reasons why Oke Ako is an optimal location for agricultural establishment. She noted that the area possesses soil well-suited for both cash and food crops, free from contamination by hazardous compounds. Notably, the natural soil pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter require minimal fertilization, which makes farming more feasible and environmentally sustainable. Additionally, the presence of five viable dams within the vicinity provides essential water resources for livestock and dry-season farming, further accentuating Oke Ako’s agricultural viability and its low risk for flooding.
In her narrative, the Regent also acknowledged the challenges faced by the community from insecurity, particularly from armed herdsmen who had previously exploited the region’s vast farmlands for their livestock, resulting in significant distress among farmers and local residents. However, with the recent security measures implemented by the government and the establishment of YSJ Farms as an agricultural investor in Oke Ako, there has been noticeable progress in reducing the threats posed by herdsmen. This shift has significantly improved the safety of farmers and restored a sense of security necessary for agricultural activity to thrive in the region.
Following a visit by Governor Oyebanji to the Oke Ako community, both the Regent and the locals expressed gratitude for the attention given to their plight and aspirations. The arrival of security personnel, including the Rapid Response Squad and Amotekun operatives, has bolstered safety in the area, allowing farmers to carry out their livelihoods without fear of harassment. Ogunbiyi also alluded to the governor’s commitment to addressing educational shortages in schools by providing teaching staff, which reinforces the community’s faith in the government’s dedication to supporting their social and economic development.
Ultimately, the plea from Oke Ako for an agricultural institution represents a broader desire for sustainable growth and security in the region. By establishing such an institution, Oke Ako could not only further its agricultural practices but also expand educational opportunities, foster local entrepreneurship, and serve as a model for rural development across Ekiti State. The Regent’s call to action highlights the potential synergies between agricultural education and local empowerment, emphasizing that with the right support and investment, Oke Ako can evolve into a hub of agriculture and sustainability, thereby benefiting its residents and contributing to the economic development of the state as a whole.
