Oluwatobi Adu 
IKOLE-EKITI, Nigeria — The Chairman of Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Bayo Omojola, has called on private investors and development partners to support efforts to expand youth participation in modern agriculture.
Omojola said stronger partnerships would help make farming more productive while creating jobs and new business opportunities for young people in the council area.
He made the call during an interview in Ikole-Ekiti on Sunday.
The chairman said the council plans to promote mechanised farming and improved agricultural practices as part of efforts to increase food production and strengthen the local economy.
“The aim is to empower young farmers through mechanised farming, create jobs, and boost food production,” Omojola said.
He said greater investment in agriculture would also help young people move beyond traditional office-based employment by creating opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
“This will encourage more youths to embrace agriculture as a viable means of livelihood,” he said.
According to Omojola, the council is interested in supporting young people not only in crop production but also in processing, distribution and other areas of agribusiness.
He said the initiative would build on previous agricultural interventions, including the distribution of improved cocoa seedlings to more than 70 farmers in August.
The council chairman said agriculture remained important to economic diversification, food security and household incomes, particularly as young people seek alternative sources of employment.
He urged young residents of Ikole to see agriculture as a business opportunity rather than merely subsistence farming.
Omojola also appealed to investors, development organisations and other stakeholders to partner with the council by providing modern equipment, technical support and other resources that can increase productivity.
He said such collaboration would help create sustainable livelihoods while strengthening agricultural production and local economic development.
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Mirian Gom 
