Mr Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, the former deputy governor of Osun State, has stated that his desire to generate job opportunities and passion for agriculture drove him to sell his home in Lagos State in order to construct an abattoir and milk production business in the Ikire town.
Alabi, who served as deputy governor of Osun during the administration of the state’s immediate past governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, explained that providing jobs for the teeming youths and other categories of unemployed Nigerians had become a critical issue, not only for the government but also for concerned Nigerians and other stakeholders.
In a statement forwarded to the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, the erstwhile deputy governor noted that creating employment opportunities is key to addressing the twin issues of insecurity and youth restiveness.
Alabi further expressed his passion for agricultural businesses and underscored the importance of providing hygienic and safe meat for the consumption of the people in society.
He contended that his agricultural outfit, Kire Integrated Farm and Market Limited, located in his country’s home of Ikire, in the Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, aims to reduce unemployment and increase the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
The statement reads: “I am pleased with the positive impact my farm is having in this community, which has provided employment for about 100 youths and boosted the socioeconomic activities of Ikire.
“My decision to invest in Osun State instead of Lagos was driven by my desire to contribute to my hometown and empower the indigenes and residents.
“I sold my house in Lagos to raise funds for the mechanised abattoir and milk production factory. The importance of giving back to this ancient town of Ikire and supporting the local economy is very paramount to me.”
“Apart from the impact of my farm, we are also exploring it to strengthen the relationship between herders and farmers,” Alabi hinted.
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