Fire has ravaged the maize harvest of Mr. Olusegun Ajayi, a farmer in Orin Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The blaze, which destroyed approximately six tons of maize, has wiped out Ajayi’s annual investment.
Ajayi, a computer science graduate who ventured into farming as his primary source of livelihood, recounted the incident, stating that the fire gutted his crib, where the maize was stored. “I rely solely on the proceeds from my farm to survive,” he said, visibly shaken. “Everything I worked for this year is gone. My family and I have nothing left, and I don’t know where to turn.”
The fire, which also affected parts of the farmland at Ugbo Omi near Ayede and Ipere, spread rapidly despite Ajayi’s efforts to maintain safety around the crib. Although the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, Ajayi attributed the incident to the dry season conditions that heighten the risk of such occurrences.
Residents have called on the government and other concerned individuals to provide assistance to Ajayi in rebuilding his livelihood. “This is a serious setback not just for him but for the local agricultural community,” a sympathizer said. “He has always been committed to his work, and this kind of disaster could happen to any farmer.”
