Increase in budgets to Agriculture will stop Japa syndrome – Ex-commissioner

“Dr. Olabode Adetoyi, former Ekiti State Commissioner of Agriculture, urged governments to boost agricultural budgets to curb emigration. He emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to develop agriculture, citing his extensive experience in agribusiness and successful ventures. This underscores his advocacy for agricultural investment to address youth unemployment and deter emigration. Source: Guardian

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Dr. Olabode Adetoyi, a seasoned entrepreneur and former Commissioner of Agriculture in Ekiti State, emphasized the need for increased agricultural budgets at both federal and state levels during his 55th birthday celebration. He pointed out that current allocations to agriculture, which typically range from 2 to 3% of total budgets, are insufficient to drive meaningful development in the sector. Dr. Adetoyi urged governments to forge intentional partnerships with the private sector across various agricultural value chains—from farm to fork—as a strategic approach to creating jobs for youths and curbing the “JAPA syndrome” (emigration to other countries for better opportunities).
A Harvard and Lagos Business School-trained professional with 28 years of experience, Dr. Adetoyi is renowned for his expertise in public-private partnerships, food processing, agribusiness, and premix manufacturing. He founded Hi-Nutrients International Ltd, which later merged with Neovia SAS France and was subsequently acquired by ADM International, attracting substantial foreign direct investment. His background underscores his deep understanding of agriculture’s potential and his advocacy for robust government-private sector collaboration to foster sectoral growth and economic stability.”