An appeal has gone to the Federal government to invest massively in the agricultural sector to stem the growing rate of poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

The appeal came from Oba Raphael Sunday, who is the Asọ́lọ̀ of Isọlọ̀, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, while speaking at the 2023 King’s New Yam Festival.

The traditional ruler stressed the importance of the three federal, state and local governments working together to address rising food insecurity in the face of the country’s fast-rising population.

Oba Raphael stated that with significant investment and the provision of critical agricultural inputs by the federal government, key stakeholders, and appropriate agencies, the community may begin large-scale yam farming.

On his part, the Olowa of Isolo, Chief Tayo Ajayi, highlighted the importance of togetherness among the community and its neighboring communities.

He also encouraged President Tinubu to redirect a major portion of the monies saved from the removal of subsidy on petrol to the development of the agricultural sector across the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

Ekiti local government is one of the local main LGEA in Kwara State. It was formed from the former Irepodun local government area in October 1991.

It borders Ekiti State to the west, and its capital is Araromi-Opin. The local government is divided into ten wards. It has a land area of 480 km2 and a population of 54,850 according to the 2006 census. Yoruba is the primary language spoken in the local government.