Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has charged traditional rulers in the state to continue supporting the activities of private investors and government by ensuring peace and development of their respective communities. This will ensure that such investors will be able to thrive and do their business without hindrance.
Addressing a one-day retreat organized by Cavista Holdings at the Ikogosi Warm Springs and Conference Center, Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Honourable Olaiya Atibioke, underscored the traditional rulers’ significance as liaisons between the people and government, particularly in fostering socio-economic growth, notably in agriculture.
He urged them to take advantage of their status and position in the community to regularly communicate government policies and programmes to their people, mobilize support for new investments, and act as mediators where required to ensure peaceful co-existence between businesses and communities.
Commending Cavista Holdings for its commitment to the state’s advancement, the governor highlighted the company’s “Cassava Revolution” plan, aimed at generating employment for 10,000 youths through partnerships with local communities and Agbeyewa Farms Limited, a Cavista subsidiary.
In his address to the traditional rulers, Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide, emphasized the transformative potential of agricultural investment, affirming the company’s enduring dedication to Ekiti’s prosperity. He stated that Ekiti has the potential to be a hub for cassava production, ensuring economic empowerment and food security.
He said “while I may not be a farmer myself, my passion for economic development and my understanding of the fundamental role of successful commercial agriculture in driving the economic transformation of any people is why we are investing in Ekiti state through Agbeyewa Farms… we are here for the long haul. We are not going anywhere.”
Olajide further stressed that through the cassava revolution, Ekiti will become the home of the cassava revolution in Nigeria, providing millions of tonnes of cassava to feed millions of people, and empowering farmers in the state.
The Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Abayomi Fasina delivered the keynote address, where he elaborated on the vast agribusiness opportunities available to communities, emphasizing the role of traditional rulers in poverty alleviation and job creation.
In a resounding endorsement, traditional rulers pledged their support for the initiative, acknowledging Cavista Holdings’ contributions to the state’s development.
Speaking on their behalf, the Chairman of the Ekiti State traditional rulers, Oba Ayorinde Faboro (the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti), hailed the event as a historic gathering of traditional rulers and pledged their unified backing for the plan’s implementation.
The one-day retreat witnessed the presence of dignitaries including Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye, Majority Leader Tolulope Ige, Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utility, Prof Mobolaji Aluko and Director General of Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency, Mrs. Lolade Olutola, signaling broad-based support for the agribusiness initiative.
About Agbeyewa Farms:
Agbeyewa Farms Limited, a subsidiary of Cavista Holdings, is a leading agro-allied company committed to transforming agriculture in Africa.
With a strong focus on innovation, the company is spearheading a Cassava Revolution—aimed at transforming the process of cassava cultivation, aggregation, processing, and market integration, driving food security and economic development across the continent.
Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, led by the Agbeyewa Farms Community Development Foundation (AFCDF), the company also drives impactful programs in Education, Economic Empowerment, Environmental Sustainability, Health, and Sports, fostering meaningful and lasting change in the communities it serves.
For inquiries, please visit agbeyewa.com or contact Dauda Lawal at dlawal@cavistaholdings.com
About Cavista Holdings
Guided by the belief that business is a force for good, Cavista Holdings is a global investment and holding company committed to creating value and transforming lives through strategic investments.
Operating across four continents, our portfolio of companies delivers innovative products and services in key sectors including Agriculture, Financial Services, Healthcare, Hospitality and Technology.
For more information, please visit cavistaholdings or contact Uchenna Ibemere at uibemere@cavistaholdings.com
