In a significant move to advance agricultural development and strengthen the livestock value chain in Ekiti State, the World Bank has approved the construction of two ultra modern cattle markets in the State as well as a Broiler Processing Plant in Ado-Ekiti and Semi-Automated Poultry Pen Estates across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The bank has also approved the establishment of strategic Agricultural Infrastructure to empower farmers, enhance food security, and create employment opportunities in the state.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade who made this known at a forum in Ado-Ekiti described the approval of the projects as a landmark achievement and a testament to the state government’s commitment to Livestock transformation under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.
According to Boluwade, the high-impact projects including the construction of a modern cattle market which will be strategically located along the busy Iworoko Road in the state capital and another one in Omuo in Ekiti East Local Government Area are designed to enhance the hygienic handling, trading, and transportation of livestock in line with international standards. “This development will not only decongest existing market spaces but also stimulate commercial livestock activities in the state,” he stated.
The Commissioner noted that the Broiler Processing Plant to be located in Ado-Ekiti will add value to Poultry farming by providing a centralized facility for hygienic Slaughtering, Processing, Packaging, and Distribution of chicken meat.
He emphasized that the facility will reduce post-harvest losses, ensure food safety, and increase profitability for Smallholder Poultry Farmers.
Boluwade said that in addition, the Semi-Automated Poultry Pen Estates will be constructed across the three senatorial districts — Ekiti North, Ekiti Central, and Ekiti South to encourage cluster farming and youth involvement in Poultry Production stressing that these facilities will come with modern biosecurity features, feed storage, and water supply systems to ensure optimum productivity.
In his contribution, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Ojo highlighted that the initiative aims to drive productivity, innovation, and commercialization especially in Cattle,Poultry,Sheep/goats and Pig livestock chains to bolster food security and State incomes.
Mr Ojo stated that following the World Bank’s approval of funds for an ultra-modern abattoir, stressed the role of modern meat‑processing infrastructure in ensuring food safety, hygiene, and public health for meat consumers .
In his remarks, the State Project Coordinator for L-PRES, Mr. Olayinka Adedipe commended the World Bank for its consistent support and for considering Ekiti State worthy of the multi-million naira investments.
“This approval reflects the state’s performance, transparency, and alignment with the goals of the L-PRES Project which is to improve livestock productivity and resilience,” Adedipe said.
He noted that these projects would not only empower farmers but also open up value chain opportunities in logistics, Processing, Marketing, and export of livestock and poultry products. He assured Stakeholders that the implementation would follow World Bank Procurement and environmental safeguards.
Adedipe advised interested and qualified Bidders within and outside the State to forward their Bidding documents through appropriate channels of communication as advertisement for the construction of the facilities shall soon be placed on the National dailies Newspaper .
The L-PRES Project in Ekiti, which is jointly funded by the World Bank and the State government has continued to garner support for its strategic interventions in livestock development, youth empowerment, and sustainable agriculture.
Last modified: July 29, 2025
