The Ekiti State Government has intensified its youth empowerment and agricultural development efforts with the expansion of the Ekiti State Broilers Production Scheme (EBOPS) through the construction of new poultry production hubs across the state.
New facilities are currently under construction in Emure-Ekiti, Igede-Ekiti and Ikole-Ekiti, as the government moves to increase broiler production while creating sustainable employment and business opportunities for young people.
Each completed poultry hub is expected to have six semi-automated pens, with a capacity of 5,000 birds per pen, alongside a warehouse, security house and administrative block.
The expansion builds on the achievements of EBOPS, which has so far trained and empowered about 500 youths in broiler production, giving beneficiaries practical skills and opportunities to establish businesses in the agricultural sector.
The state government is targeting operational EBOPS facilities in 10 locations before the end of the year. The locations include Erinfun, Technical College, Ido-Ekiti, Ilupeju, Ikole 1, Ikole 2, Efon, Ikere, Emure and Ode-Ekiti.
According to the programme’s objectives, the geographical spread of the poultry hubs is expected to bring agricultural opportunities closer to communities while boosting food production, local economic activities and employment.
The initiative is also designed to encourage young people to see agriculture and agribusiness as viable alternatives to dependence on government employment.
Beyond poultry farming, the scheme is expected to generate opportunities across the agricultural value chain, including feed supply, processing, transportation, marketing and distribution.
As construction progresses, attention will now turn to the completion and activation of the facilities, as well as ensuring that beneficiaries receive the necessary support to build sustainable poultry businesses.
The expansion of EBOPS forms part of Ekiti State’s broader strategy to use agriculture as a tool for youth empowerment, job creation and economic development.
