By Gbenga Sodeinde
As part of his efforts to complement the Ekiti State government’s effort at boosting food production and employment generation, Hon. Steve Olusola Fatoba has sponsored a bill for the establishment of a National Rice Production, Processing and Research Institute to be sited at Igbemo-Ekiti, Ekiti state.
Fatoba, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1, comprising Ado/Irepoodun/ Ifelodun Local Governments vowed to pursue the bill to a logical conclusion.
Speaking to newsmen about the inspiration behind the project, he said: “Ekiti, our dear state has great potential in production activities because we are greatly endowed with huge natural resources that can serve as raw materials for production.
“It is a known fact that production guarantees employment and economic prosperity for any state. Most especially I am seeking this bill to ensure more federal presence in my state and also to complement the state government’s efforts in the area of food production and employment generation for our people in the state”. He disclosed.
The House of Representatives member pointed out that this is also part of the fulfillment of his electoral promises to the people whom he is representing at the National Assembly.
Fatoba explained further, “If this proposed project can be added to the giant strides of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s efforts in the area of job creation for our people in Ekiti State, it will go a long towards addressing unemployment and government presence in our dear state.
“These are what informed my desire to sponsor the Bill for the National Institute of Rice production, processing and Research to be sited in Ekiti state.
“And l am assuring my dear people of Ekiti State that with your solid and continued support, l will pursue this project to a logical conclusion that will ensure the fruition of the project,” he assured.
It is pertinent to note that the National rice production, processing and Research Institute which is being proposed to be sited specifically in Igbemo Ekiti, in Irepoodun/Ifelodun Local Government has already passed its second reading.