Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola, has awarded N11.2 million to 81 farmers across the 16 Local Government Areas of Ekiti State.
The cash awards were presented during the 2026 Annual Afe Babalola Agricultural Expo, held at the university. The programme, which began in 2015, is aimed at encouraging agricultural productivity and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
The overall best farmer, Sunday Osanyindoro, received N2 million. He reportedly retired from the civil service to pursue farming and currently cultivates 25 hectares of oil palm.
Babalola urged the beneficiaries to invest their prizes wisely and encouraged Nigerians, particularly young people and graduates, to embrace agriculture as a productive and sustainable career.
He also announced plans to establish an Ekiti Farmers’ House in partnership with the state government and the 16 local governments. The facility is expected to provide farmers with access to modern agricultural equipment at affordable rates.
In addition, 32 youths and women, with two beneficiaries selected from each local government area, were empowered with training and starter tools for plantain chips production, packaging and marketing.
Babalola said the initiative was designed to revive interest in agriculture, promote food security and reduce dependence on government support.
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