The Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) has disbursed over ₦15 million to beneficiaries of the Adiye Irorun Initiative, Isuada Second Cycle, as part of efforts to support youth and women in agriculture across the state.
The cheque presentation took place at the OSAEC office in Akure on Tuesday, with beneficiaries, lead farmers, interns and government officials in attendance.
The Adiye Irorun Initiative is a poultry farming empowerment programme created to provide practical agricultural training and financial support for participants interested in building sustainable agribusinesses.
Speaking during the event, Chairman of OSAEC, Hon. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola, said the programme was designed to create real opportunities for residents of Ondo State through agriculture.
According to him, the initiative has continued to receive support from Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, whose administration remains committed to empowering young people and women through practical economic programmes.
Akinsola congratulated the beneficiaries for successfully completing the cycle, noting that the journey required commitment and discipline.
“Finishing a programme like this is not a small thing. It takes commitment. It takes showing up, even when it’s hard. I want to congratulate every one of you for seeing this through,” he said.
He told beneficiaries that while the financial support was important, the knowledge and hands-on experience gained during the training remained the most valuable part of the programme.
“The money is important, but the experience is paramount. The skills you have gained, understanding poultry management, learning the rhythms of farming, building the confidence to run an agribusiness, these are things no one can take from you,” Akinsola stated.
“The funds you are receiving today are a tool to get you started. But what lives in your hands, your head, and your heart from this training? That is your real wealth.”
The OSAEC chairman also restated the agency’s mission of helping beneficiaries build independent businesses and become contributors to their communities.
“OSAEC’s mandate has always been simple: empower you to start. From that point, what you build is yours,” he said.
“To our lead farmer, thank you for your dedication to the programme and to the participants under your care. To our interns, you witnessed firsthand what agricultural empowerment looks like in practice, carry that with you.”
“And to every beneficiary who received a cheque today, go and replicate what you have learnt. Build something. Teach someone else. Become the kind of citizen that lifts your community.”
Akinsola further described the initiative as more than a financial intervention, saying the programme is focused on creating long-term economic impact across communities in Ondo State.
“This is not just about chickens. It is not just about cheques. It is about better futures, built from the ground up. We are proud of you. Ondo State is proud of you,” he added.
OSAEC explained that the Adiye Irorun Initiative is structured as a continuous programme running in cycles, giving more residents the opportunity to participate in future editions.
The centre encouraged interested youths and women in Ondo State to stay updated through its official communication channels and prepare for upcoming application opportunities.
According to OSAEC, several participants from previous cycles are already applying the training received to establish poultry businesses and improve their income.
The centre noted that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen food production, create jobs and encourage agribusiness participation among young people in the state.
OSAEC also reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to agricultural empowerment programmes that can provide sustainable livelihoods for residents.
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