A Lagos-based Agricultural firm, Eatrich Farms on Saturday, opened a branch in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital with the target of taking 1500 Youths away from the streets.
The branch opening was done in collaboration with Oyo state government and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Eatrich Farms aims to build the largest integrated farm and farm city across Africa, covering the entire agricultural value chain, producing healthy foods and creating jobs for farmers.
While speaking, the Chief Executive Officer, Eatrich Farms, Ambassador Sam Afolabi, said the farm was initiated as a response to the yearning of many young Nigerians seeking investment and employment opportunities.
He added that he had been into agriculture business as he was born into the business and he is familiar with how to make profit of it
“For the last 33yrs, I have been into agriculture and I want to tell a story on how a first class Engineering student can create profitable platform in agricultural business. The reason why we create companies is to create employment opportunities and I can assure you that in Oyo state, we are looking to engage 1500 youths by getting them off the streets to work because we have a project called A Green Africa Project, it is a massive farm where are bringing into Oyo state.
“Our core is to build the largest integrated farm and farm city across Africa, covering the entire agricultural value chain, producing healthy foods, creating job opportunities for young farmers, digitalizing farming which enables everyone earn great profits while we help prepare farm ready lands for agriculture and help setup farms with our experience and expertise hands.
“The Green Africa Project is our flagship project, set to become the largest Integrated MEGA Farm City in Sub Saharan Africa. It merges Agriculture and Tourism, with state of the art facilities, on a modern farm. It covers the entire value chain as crops and livestock are farmed, processed and packaged ready to eat all in the same city. There are facilities that cater to this farming community, like clinics, shopping centers, as well as training halls for budding agro-preneurs.
“Our goal is to become one of the fast moving consumer goods in Nigeria as we want to start producing everything and fill the future ahead.”
Also speaking, Hon Ojemuyiwa Ojedokun, Commissioner For Agriculture and Rural Development, said the launching of eatrich farms in Oyo state is very crucial to the development of agriculture of the and it is no gainsaying that, the eatrich farms will spur roles towards contributing our little quota to the attainment of food security in the State.
He said “In order to ensure food security, alleviate poverty and create employment in the State, the present administration, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde has created several innovative strategies which include: Creation of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) to take agriculture from its old ways to agribusiness level which enables farmers to make substantial profit from the various farming activities along the agricultural value chain.
“As you are aware, the government cannot do it alone, the present administration strongly believes in Partnership arrangement like today’s activity to jointly develop our dear State. We appreciate the eatrich farms for their contributions and impacts in building and expanding the agricultural productivity of Oyo State.”
The event was graced by Traditional rulers, Government officers and Notable personalities in Ibadan.
