Ekiti State Expands Affordable Food Scheme for Residents

The Ekiti State government, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has expanded its affordable food scheme to enhance access to staple food items for households. The initiative, led by the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenez Boluwad, aims to address food insecurity and post-harvest losses by creating retail outlets that sell food sourced from local farmers, including youth engaged in agricultural programs.

The program focuses on making staple foods such as rice, maize, beans, and garri more affordable, with significant price reductions noted at various centers like Shasha and the Fountain Agricultural Market Agency in Ado Ekiti. Mr.

Adedayo Alof, the Executive Secretary of the Fountain Agricultural Market Agency, emphasized the importance of ensuring fair distribution and discouraging hoarding. The program is part of a broader effort by the state government to promote food security and support local farmers amid rising food prices, with calls from beneficiaries for an expansion of the number of outlets and additional food items.