My name is Charles Ekeh, 27 years of age and a native of Obibiezena, Owerri North, Imo State, Nigeria. I am currently based in Ekiti state. I am a graduate of Agricultural and Environmental Resources Engineering and am passionate about agriculture.
I have been involved in personal research on wilting and permanent wilting point of Amaranthus on Vertisols and Sand loam soils, and also the effect of Albit bio-fertilizer on maize from germination to growth stage V4.
My project is Cassava and Maize farming. I want to set up a farm with 10 hectares each of cassava and maize in the Gbonyin local government area. Four hectares each will be located in five communities in Gbonyin LGA (Ijan, Aisegba, Agbado, Imesi, and Ode), of which 2 hectares will be allocated for maize and 2 hectares for cassava cultivation.
The farm will be owned and managed by me and a smallholder group made up of interested community youth. The major farm operations will be mechanized as every member must participate fully.
I feel pain in my heart when I see youth blessed with agricultural land yet wallowing in poverty and joblessness. This project will not just be a farm but most especially a learning centre, an eye opener, motivation and encouragement to community youths.
This project in the long run will bring about self-reliance, job creation and insight to mechanized agriculture in Ekiti State as a whole.
To achieve this, I will:
- mobilize community youth leaders of each community.
- create small holder group in each community.
- lease required land and source tractor services.
- source for ready buyers of our harvest.
- invite successful indigenous farmers for monthly lectures and encouragement.
I have already secured a 4-hectare demonstration farm in Ode and 50 kg of maize seed. I have secured the moral support of an indigenous farmer and Ode community leader. I have also secured the interest of some community youth in Ode.
The success of this project will be measured by the success of each participating community group and individual participant in establishing and ruining their own farm.
Budget
ITEM COST PER UNIT(Naira) QUANTITY AMOUNT(Naira)
Land lease 8,000 20 160,000
Ploughing 8,000 20 160,000
Harrowing 8,000 20 160,000
Ridging 8,000 20 160,000
Spraying 10,000 20 200,000
Seeds 9,000 20 180,000
Planting 8,000 20 80,000
Fertilizers 4,000 20 80,000
TOTAL 1,180,000
Blogpost and picture submitted by Charles Ekeh (Nigeria) – ekehcharles2201[at]gmail.com
The content, structure and grammar is at the discretion of the author only.
This post is published as proposal #349 of “YAP” – our “Youth Agripreneur Project”.
The first selection of the winners will be based on the number of comments, likes and views each proposal gets.
As a reader, you can support this speaker’s entry:
- Leave a comment (question, suggestion,..) on this project in the comment field at the bottom of this page
- Support the post by clicking the “Like” button below (only possible for those with a WordPress.com account)
- Spread this post via your social media channels, using the hashtag: #GCARD3
Have a look at the other “YAP” proposals too!
As a donor, support young agripreneurs and sponsor this unique project. Check out the side column for our current sponsors.
“YAP” is part of the #GCARD3 process, the third Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development.
The GFAiR Blog 
Great project Charles… i know you passion and commitment to agricultural advancement..and i hope you get all the support you need..go charles…
Thanks Frank. By God’s grace i will do more.
i believe your work is exceptional
Thanks for believing my course
nice proposal. keep moving, God will take you Dear… but maize farming wuld profit us well
Yep, maize is the most widely consumed crop in Nigeria because of its industrial uses and food processing
Cassava is a good cash crop mainly in the Southern part of Nigeria, and planting cassava is indeed a good idea. God bless your hustle.. (They will beg you. Lolzz).
Amen! and thanks URCH.
Cassava is a good cash crop mainly in the Southern part of Nigeria, and planting cassava is indeed a good idea. God bless your hustle. (They will beg you..lolzz)
I believe what u can do don’t worry God will provide finance for u.
Amen. Thanks Doreen.
Kudos Consultant! I have regained my passion for agriculture since reading your proposal….keep it up! “They will beg u” is on its way, say Amen
Thanks Tamtan. Am glad u passion has been ignited
This is an outright call for the diversification of our nations wealth. The destiny of our great Country lies in the hands of our warlords which is the YOUTH. Go Charles…. You got it.. Its a positive move which if emulated by many others will definitely eradicate the likes of Boko and Militants for our dear nation to prosper. Only if the Executive arm of our government play their role.
Thanks FRANK, I hope more youths emulate this move.
I believe in you… through this, the rate of unemployment will reduce… this is want we(Nigeria) need…
Funding such a project is the key thing.. The Idea is bright. Did you also consider pest control in the budget, what’s the duration before harvesting.? How would you pay your workers? I didn’t also see Contingencies in a case of shortcomings…
Yep, for the fund, that’s why am participating in this project contest. Pest control has been considered. We will employ both traditional and chemical method of pest control. For the participants, 50% of the total profit would be shared amongs US.
Talking about unforseen circumstances… Brother you really need to think on the managerial structure and how to put up a PR (Pay Roll) in your budget. Thanks
It’s a project that is worth investing in
Yep Timothy investors are welcome. Thanks
Good job fisnik All the best 👍🏻
Thanks Armend. Glad you are here
This project is awesome. I look forward to see you emerge the winner. More of you
Thanks RICHARD
You ve got an awesome idea Mr charles & I just hope this idea of yours is fully utilized…goodluck
God willing. thanks AUSTINE
Nice Work Charles. Keep it up.
I will surely do. thanks
I know you had a passion 4 this field since the time I knew you. wish u success in ur endeavour.
Thanks OLASUPO. I will keep it blazing.
Nice work Charles, you have done a great job, keep it up. I see you winning the contest.
Thanks JOHNSON, hope to do more projects with.
God be with you all through! Kudos..
Amen! many thanks JAMILA.
Maize and cassava , perfect combination and choice to maximize resources in terms of nutrient distribution.
Am glad i got your support in this project.
Good job my Engr.
Keep it up bro.
I will definitely keep the focus. Thanks JOE
A nice one..it will go places…… God is with you
Amen! and thanks FRED.
I never for once doubted your abilities and passion. i
If it’s you, I can give my full support. Let’s move agriculture forward my brother. Wish you the very best brother.
Am glad great agriculturists like you are in support of this project. It’s a new dawn for NIGERIA!
Go Charles. I never doubted your abilities. It’s a good combination. Let’s move agriculture forward my brother. Wish you the very best sir.
Thanks Asoji. We hope to see Nigeria become the giant of African in food production.
Kudos to you. I believe you can do it. All the best
Many thanks DAMILOLA for believing in me.
Dis dream must be actualized.. cos it started a long time ago.A project all youth should wake up to and grab with two hands…lovely charlie!
Thanks Matthew, i hope more youths embrace this project especially our extensionist for rural youth
This idea is superb and I believe is the way forward for Nigerian youth. A very brilliant initiative. keep it up.
This initiative is the best for Nigerian youth. keep it up Mr. Charles.
I will surely uphold it. Thanks ISHAKU
God will see us through in Jesus name
Amen! Thanks.
Look at at this proposal Mr Charles I really believe in your passion. And I believe this project will go along way in improving the living standard of unemployed youth in the localities mentioned. I am hoping one day some body will bring up something of this nature in my state. Yobe state.
Many thanks Mr. Sule. This project is open for adoption. I just want to eradicate poverty through agriculture.
Great work Charles
Thanks Jeff.
I believe this is a groundbreaking project worthy of emulation by Nigerian youths
Thanks Olamide. I will be glad to support anybody who wants to adopt this project. God bless NIGERIA!
with your passion for agriculture, I know you’re going to go far. All the best.
Mr. T, thanks for your support.
Great work! More grace to u!
Thanks Mshell
Good project. It will go a long way in correcting some of the problems in our agricultural sector.
Thanks Louis. Am glad with your comment
Cherles I believe you so much when it comes to agricultural activities, you are the best..
Thanks Gift, we are the best…Nigeria, the best.
Brilliant idea.. Its a way to improve Nigeria’s economy…
Thanks. As youth, together we will do it.
Good job. Agriculture is Nigeria’s biggest employer of labour and with minds n energetic personalities like u, we’ll soon surpass the Asian world.
Thanks Agatha, am glad there are fellow youths who believes and supports agriculture irrespective of their discipline.
This project will surely impact life and bring about new development in those area, know you have passion for this and believe God will see you through.
Amen. Thanks Adenike am encouraged by comment.
All the best brother. Meet you at the top
Thanks brother!
I believe in you. All the best brother
This is a great and nice initiative, with benefits not just to you but also to the residents around.
It would be worth it to give this project a green light
Thanks Olamide for your commendation
This is a beautiful plan that would improve not only Nigeria but Africa at large… Kudos Mr Charles
Thanks Olu
nice one and good idea …i love it…i am also intrested
Thanks Jonathan, send me an email so we could discourse how it should go.
ekehcharles2201@gmail.com
Nice one my boss but my question is do u plan on extending this good vision to other part of Nigeria let’s say my state(Borno State) so that they can also benefit from the effort of knowledge given to you. Thanks
Yes JAMES, am ready to work with any interested community/state in creating a sustainable living through agriculture.
Wonderful idea. I Believe such project is worth investing in. Baba God is your Strength.
Nice one bro, keep the fire burning. I’ll definitely invest in this project, kudos…
Thanks Damitee, looking forward to that.
Nice work my great colleague. With this kind of thinking we can see light at the end of the tunnel. Nigerian agricultural system will rise again. Nice work!
Nigerian government should try and see sense in agriculture.
Thanks my colleague, and we will be instrumental to her rising.
I like your passion 4 agriculture. A nice project and prospect. May God help your aspirations…..
Am interested in buying of the products when ever is ready.. GOD bless you more. It’s a good idea keep it up
Thanks Sunday for your interest. I will keep in touch with you in regards to that
Am so so hapi dat dis great invent is happenin in my time. Honestly charles, u hv dne rilli a great job here. I lik ur passion n ur zealous attitude. Pls do kip d gud wrk going. I lik dis n dis is what d economy need at d moment cos nigerian hv being depending on d oil sector 4 so lng. I thnk wat we need at d time is 2 luk in2 d agricultural sector. So charles, u hv my full support on dis. Wow!!!
Great work Charles Ekeh…u r an inspiration, More over to your elbow
Thanks Lawrence. I appreciate your comment
Great work Me Charles, this is an inspiration to us the youth. Thank you.
That is a great on. Your involvement of community leaders and labour will really be a grassroots employment opportunity for the local unemployed youths.
Thanks John. I do appreciate your comment
GREAT work charles,The Lord is your strength
Amen! and thank Emeka
Charles’ passion for agriculture is a sure way of making Africa self reliant. You are a motivator.
Am grateful Joshua.
Great man,you are doing well ,more grace Sir. Keep it up
Thank for commendation Agatha.
More Food. More Employment Opportunities. More Solutions.
Of course, you are still the Charles I used to know. Just remembered when we talked about this agric dream you have over at Chijioke’s place. Thank God this fire still burns… And thank God I know the light bearer!
Congratulations in advance, man!
Yes Uncle P, the fire burns now more than it has ever especially in this our economic crisis. thanks
Great work indeed. This will definately be an eye opener to Nigeria youth. Keep the flag flying Charles.
Thanks George, I will definitely do.
wow this is great, I love what am seeing keep it up.
Thanks Blessing.
Wow, this is great I love what am seeing. keep it up.
Brilliant choice of products, the Nigerian agricultural sector needs to expand its production capacity for these, so we have enough to feed our food processing industry.
This is beautiful, I pray that this becomes a reality for u, please continue the good work as u encourage other youths and keep them busy.God bless your project
This is a very creative approach and will be quite productive for you guys in the future. Thumbs up for your amazingly creativity of analyzing the fundamental and hidden benefits in agriculture especially towards the youth generation.
thanks Dr Chijioke. am so glad to have the support of even medical doctors
Great work
Thanks Dorex
Great work bro
Thanks Jeff.
l sincerely want to appreciate your effort u are skillful and forcus.Sky is yr starting point,ride on is a nrw development.l hail u..You are mindful
Nice one Mr Charles I have always know you for hard work determination and ideas and I believe this project would never be an exception. Am supporting you on these and I pray it would get it’s approval by God’s grace.carry go my brother.
wawww great project engr
Your are a star ride on .A star and skillful a role model .Sky is your starting point
Thanks a million
well done bro, keep up the good work.
Smart choice of products, the Nigerian agricultural sector need to expand its production capacity for these, it will go a long way to in feeding our food processing industry.
Yep Olusegun, these crops where chosen because they are the most consumed staples in Nigeria and regionally versatile. thanks for your comment
Wow Charles! I must admit this which you’ve set is very commendable and impressive. And as you mentioned above, the ramifications of your embarkings influence is tremendous and lucrative. Very insightful as well and we wish the success. Kudos and cheers
Great work #Agriculture is the way out!
Great work nice concept see at the top
Wow Charles! Admittedly I’m very impressed such initiative deserve a good commendation, and you’ve just earned mine. I sincerely hope that that ramifications of this projects influence will attain a good fruition. Wish you the most success, Kudos & cheers.
U are purposeful,focus u will meet your target in life.What a development .Sky is your starting point never to relent
Thanks am quite encouraged
This is worth doing. I support your course Charlie
corect my landlord. Wish u al d best.
Thanks EMMY, the aim of this project is to eradicate poverty most especially in the rurals and imbibe self reliance.
Truth be told, I’m short of words. Bravo! We need creative and go-getting minds like yours that could always think up more positive, creative and constructive ways of effecting the true “Change” our communities, society and our nation deserve(s) in order to successfully liberate us from the current status quo bedeveling our beloved fatherland. This project is definitely a good (no, an awesome start). All the best bro.
Unforseen circumstance which is not in our control is atmospheric, “rainfall” most especially. when it starts and its duration. but every other unforseen circumstances can be handled by good farm management.
Thanks Oladimeji.
Amen and thanks Bobby.
Amen! and many thanks to you Alex.
good one chalse. it’s good development
in gbonyin local govt. I served in aisegba and I know how fertile their land is. am sure you are trying to apply the knowledge of Prof. ohu on the farm land. wish you the best.
Wow! am glad you were there. Will give you an invite when we commence
Nigeria will nva Lake if we hv more pipo lik u bro keep it up
Thanks Kenechukwu
Good work bro ….NCCF Gbonyni is proud of u….more grace bro
Thanks Chima, am most proud of NCCF
Nice Job bro
Very impressive, with this work our nation will be reform to a productive nation in agriculture.
Thanks Engr Shamaki
This is a the blam!
Can’t wait to be a part of this project… to show everyone how important ICT is to agriculture.
Charles my paddy
Don’t forget to call for or website… to start with!
Will be very glad to work with you. Many thanks Prince
wow! I am really impressed by this project. I believe that it will encourage youths else where to embark on similar project with time, because I have faith in you and what you are doing. Wish you success, strength and favour.
Amen and thank you so much
Great wrk guy. Its neva bein easy wit d nigeria economy all dis yrs. It has bein up n dwn bt wit d project u hv at hands nw, I thnk its smethng worth lukin in2. Again n again, I lik good thngs n dis is rilli gud, so tak it frm mi, u r gud 2 go. U hv my full support charles
This is a bright one Mr. Charles Ekeh. All i can say to you is congratulations as i see you emerge the winner.
Some things i did not see in your budget are;
1. Cost of weeding ( weed control)
2. Cost of transportation
3. What means do you intend to achieve this; by Irrigation or Rainfall?
4. Cost of transportation
5. Miscellaneous (cost of mobilizing youth, community leaders and also organizing the said seminar for the community)
God bless you real good
I have been part of those who smile with eulogy for u each time I everything that has to do with u carrying atleast a green leaf on it. This the time to show the world what u’ve been showing us. I wish finance won’t be an Issue this time again!
I’d like to be a part of this…to show u how I.C.T can be very important to agriculture.
For a start… Don’t forget to call for ur website design!
Charles “The green”!
Keep the good work going…m’right behind u.
let me start by saying am well impressed with this your project Charles, keep it up and never relent in ur efforts, all i know is that nigeria needs youth with this kind of thinking. And am sure you will make it Insha Allah.
all the best Charles Ekeh
Thanks a million Dr. Rabiu.
I’d love to be a part of this project Mr. Charles let me know when u commenced it. ∠
I’d love to be a part of this project Mr. Charles let me know when u commenced it.
Ok Chidimma. Send me a mail Here is my email
ekehcharles2201@gmail.com
Good one Charles. I will like to invest into this project as an investor. Setup a meeting where we can see and discuss because I have a desire to improve my finance but don’t have the time and idea to go into agriculture. Set the date.thanks
Yep Godwin, I only included the major activities we need the fund for. If every thing is provided including their transportation and labour for wedding, their might not be sense of reponsibility. It should be a hands on program. The land preparation which is the tedious part will be done by tractor services but the maintenance of the farm has to be taken care of by the group. Also each member can not be transport to farm location they will responsible for their transportation. I just want a sense of responsibility and commitment.
I will not forget. Thanks
WHAT A WONDERFUL INITIATIVE.YOU ARE DESTINED FOR THE PRIZE
Consultant Charles I know u as a great achiever,I believe your dreams over this will come to pass. Excellent performance keep it up.God bless
Great work please come and Invest in my place. We re waiting for u
Charles, I’m glad about this and I’m sure your experience will make you succeed.
nice job ekeh, more grace to your elbow.
nice idea i giv all support ….by grace u will excel …..bravo
Agriculture in the next big thing Goodluck with your project.
Great project from a passionate youngman,i hope this project gets the funding it deserves!
Congratulations Charles. More creess to your elbow
Superb Charles! With your dedication and effort I believe that this project will definitely be a great success! Best of luck and may God bless U! 🙂
Nice one.
Kudos bro. I’m a strong believer in the prospects of agriculture and also an admirer of those who see those prospects. Once more kudos bro.
Wow this is excellent, i always believe in u and ur abilities, wish u more of god favour,
Good luck, God b with u on this course
Wow! I support this wonderful effort most especially concerning the rate of poverty among the youth which you intend to see to it that through this medium it’s been reduced. More grace and God’s favor my brother
dis is gud consultant charlse, is really a great work
.
I 100‰ agree with this ur proposal becos it will really go a long way. Most especially in the aspect of providing jobs to the unemployed once. All the best and good luck…..”‘ I believe say one day u go make us(Nigeria) proud and now is the time……'” Good luck once again
Many thanks to you all for your support and encouragement! Will let you know as soon as the project commences. We still need your moral support. Once again thanks
Nice one sir. I wish you good sucess