In a carnival-like atmosphere, Ojuawo Empowerment Farm Ogbese hosted a Christmas get-together at the farm to celebrate with their principal, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, and friends.
In his welcoming address, Engr. Bayo Babalotin, the farm’s supervisor, thanked Hon. Ojuawo and visitors for joining them to share a special feast, featuring “Iyan Oko,” a traditional delicacy for farmers.
“We have a unique way of celebrating Christmas and the end of the year,” Engr. Babalotin said. “Eating together as a family is one of our traditions. We’ve already begun preparing for the next season, focusing on the nursery stage, and our irrigation process will support the entire process.”
The highlight of the event was when Hon. Ojuawo joined the food preparation team and pounded yam, showcasing his skills and connecting with the farmers.
Hon Ropo Ogunbolude and Hon Femi Babalola, APC Chieftains from Ise Ekiti, accompanied Hon Ojuawo to the farm. They urged farmers to boost crop production, highlighting the dual rewards: increased income and food provision for the constituency and Ekiti State, supporting Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s food sufficiency drive.
Equally, Hon. Bamikole Ayodele, Executive Chairman, Ise/Orun Local Government, who was the special guest at the “Iyan Oko” feast, thanked Hon. Ojuawo for his agricultural revolution drive. This initiative supports Governor Oyebanji’s efforts to create lasting empowerment and food surplus in Ekiti State. “It is a noble cause,” Hon. Ayodele said. “I will continue to support initiatives that bring relief to our people in every way.”
In his remarks, Hon. Ojuawo commended the farmers for their good conduct and dutifulness since the farm’s inception, expressing hope that their cooperation would yield increased productivity in the coming year.
“I’m very happy with your progress, and I must commend you for your dedication to this farm in this outgoing year,” Hon. Ojuawo said.
“Governor Oyebanji has provided us with a bulldozer to cultivate an additional 10 hectares of land, bringing the total to 25 hectares for the upcoming season. Let us work together, as more people will be joining us next year. My goal for this empowerment farm is to create employment opportunities from planting to finished products. I will continue to provide necessary support and logistics to achieve this,” Hon. Ojuawo assured.
Also at the get-together were Hon. Ojuawo’s wife and the former House of Assembly member representing Ise/Orun, Hon Deji Ajayi who applauded the farmers’ cooperation and steadfastness throughout the process.
