Farmers donate N5m to Oyebanji’s campaign

.Gov plans 1,000 more forest rangers

Ebun Emmanuel – June 08,2026

Farmers in Ekiti State, under the aegis of All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN), have donated a sum of N5m to the re-election campaign of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

The group said the need for continuity of positive disposition to agricultural development and well as growth in other sectors informed their decision.

The farmers made the donation during an engagement with the governor at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s office, Ado- Ekiti on Monday, adding no fewer than 50,000 members will all vote to re- elect him in the June 20,2026.

The the National Vice President (Youth) and the State Chairman of AFAN, Chief Tunde Adeyemi and Mr Sunday Adekogbon respectively, also cited Oyebanji’s tractorization programme, subsidised farm inputs, rural roads rehabilitation and construction, as well as empowerment programme as some of the reasons for supporting his re-election.

“As stakeholders in the agricultural sector, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting your administration’s vision. Together, we can strengthen food security, empower young people through agriculture, create employment opportunities, attract investment, and position Ekiti State as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states.”

Oyebanji in his response, expressed deep appreciation for the farmers’ financial support for his re-election bid and assured them that his administration will not relent in its efforts to reposition the sector as a pathway to job and wealth creation.

“What is happening today is shocking to me and I get emotional when things like this happen because ideally, it should be people like us that should be supporting you, but when farmers congregate together and donate money to a cause, it speaks volume.

“Things like this impose a lot of responsibility on me to ensure that I continue to do those things that are pleasing to God and to you.” The governor added.

Disclosing some of his plans and policies aimed at further boosting agriculture in the state, Oyebanji said his administration was at the verge of employing 1,000 forest rangers in the drive to provide adequate and effective security for farmers to enable them function in secure environment as well as put a stop to threat of banditry and cattle grazing of farms.

He added that his government is executing a 1,000km rural road upgrades targeting farming communities in the drive to connect remote agricultural areas and help reduce post-harvest losses and boost grassroots economy.

Also at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, and the Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo among others.