The Chairman Alumni Association of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Pastor Adetunji Aribasoye,
has called on the Federal Government to design an effective monitoring and evaluation process
for the funds being expended on the country’s agriculture sector.

In a press statement, Aribasoye, who also lauded the administration of Governor Biodun
Oyebanji of Ekiti State and the Alumni body’s involvement in agricultural activities, said such a collaboration is aimed to boost food security and sustenance, not just in Ekiti but also across the Southwest geopolitical zone and in Nigeria.

According to him, “Such quality services if properly maintained would also improve the
economy towards attaining the shared prosperity agenda of the government.”

The EKSU Alumni chairman, also said the present federal government seems to be deliberate
in investing in agriculture for real farmers. He said such a step would help the nation attain food security and sustenance.

He said, “l know the federal government is doing a lot across the country to boost production by investing heavily in the agriculture sector. A lot of funding is already in place for farmers. I am aware the first batch of 2000 tractors have been brought into the country to be given to farmers free of charge, according to the information I heard and through the National Agricultural Development Fund also, a lot is happening.”

He however said the federal government should establish a robust monitoring system for
whatever fund it invests in agriculture. Government should also ensure there is quality service
delivery in this regard, so that all real farmers and young people that are interested in going into agriculture can truly get involved and have access to funds and other benefits.

On what the state, the university and alumni association are doing to boost food security, he
said 10 hectares of land was given the association by the university to farm and the Ekiti State government assisted in the land opening process.

The land was allocated to interested members. We grow maize, cassava and other food
crops.”

Aribasoye also disclosed that EKSU is set to hold its 2025 annual lecture and award ceremony
scheduled for March 31.

According to him, “The lecture will focus on ‘Navigating the harsh economic downturn,
interrogating the interplay of food security and insecurity of agricultural processes and citizens.

He said the lecture would be delivered by the Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, EKSU,
Prof. Olawumi Fapohunda, while a keynote address titled: “Engaging the Alumni Community for Civic Engagement: Bridging the Gap Between Higher Education, Political Engagement and
Community Security for Shared Prosperity” will be delivered by the EKSU alumni Association
global President, Engr. Dipo Bamisaye.

He added that the awards segment will recognize alumni members and deserving members of
the public, who have excelled in their various fields and have had positive impacts on the
University, Alumni association and the Society at large.

He said, “Among those to be awarded are, Governor Abiodun Oyebanji and his wife, Prof.
Olayemi Oyebanji, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly,
EKSU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ayodele, the EKSU Alumni Global President, Engr. Dipo

Bamisaye, and the Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade among
others.

He disclosed that the association has recorded breakthroughs in driving huge membership,
generating income of over N11 million, aiming to build chalets at the Alumni Village to
commence after the events among others.