Ekiti aims to raise one million poultry birds a year

Ekiti State is looking to scale up its poultry industry, with plans to raise one million birds annually through expanded farm infrastructure and the integration of existing broiler producers 

The initiative is part of the state's efforts to increase livestock production, improve domestic food supplies and attract investment into poultry farming. A key part of the plan is the Poultry Hub in Emure-Ekiti, which is expected to provide additional capacity for commercial production.

The state's Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, outlined the production ambition during an inspection of the facility in Emure Local Government Area. He said the hub would contribute to the government's wider livestock development programme.

Emure poultry hub provides capacity for expansion

The facility has space for 30,000 birds, with five poultry units designed to accommodate 6,000 birds each. While its capacity represents only part of the state's one-million-bird ambition, the hub is expected to serve as an important production centre within a wider network of poultry farms.

The government also plans to bring existing producers under the Ekiti Broiler Production Scheme (EBOPs) into the initiative. According to Boluwade, the Ekiti State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project will facilitate the integration through cooperative arrangements.

The proposed model will allow participating poultry clusters to operate within a more coordinated framework. Bringing established producers into the programme also gives the state a way to build on existing farming activity alongside the capacity provided by the Emure facility.

Poultry growth could benefit farmers and supporting businesses

Expanding broiler production has implications beyond the number of birds raised. Increased farm activity can generate demand for poultry feed, veterinary services, equipment, transportation, processing and distribution.

Olayinka Adedipe, State Project Coordinator for L-PRES, said the Emure hub could stimulate investment and employment while creating opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs and other businesses connected to the livestock sector.

For poultry farmers, participation in the expanding programme could provide opportunities to increase production and engage with a broader commercial network. Businesses supplying essential inputs and services may also benefit from greater activity across the sector.

The state expects higher output to improve the availability of poultry products for domestic consumption. Greater private-sector participation is another objective, as investment will be important in supporting the expansion of production beyond the capacity of government-backed facilities.

Emure community anticipates local economic benefits

The project is also expected to contribute to economic activity in its host community. The Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, Oba James Ajiboye, welcomed the development, noting its potential to create employment and improve residents' livelihoods.

The monarch also highlighted the facility's contribution to agricultural development in the area, where increased commercial activity could provide opportunities for local residents.

Implementation will determine the scale of growth

Ekiti's one-million-bird ambition will depend on how effectively the state integrates existing poultry clusters with the Emure hub. The availability of suitable production infrastructure, participation from farmers and investment in supporting services will all influence the pace of expansion.

The initiative places broiler farming at the centre of the state's livestock development plans, with the intended benefits extending from poultry production to employment and local business activity. Its progress will provide a clearer indication of how far the cooperative approach can help Ekiti expand its poultry industry.