Ekiti State – The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called on traditional rulers to support efforts to combat hunger and youth unemployment by providing land for credible investors, particularly in the agricultural sector.
The revered monarch made this appeal during a tour of the multi-billion Naira Agbeyewa Farms in Itapaji-Ekiti on Saturday. Accompanied by the Chairman of Cavista Holdings (owners of Agbeyewa Farms), Mr. John Olajide, the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Niran Olajide, and traditional rulers from the host communities, Oba Ogunwusi expressed admiration for the transformative investment and its potential impact.
A Call for Stakeholder Cooperation
The Ooni further urged stakeholders to ensure the success and sustainability of this long-term investment, warning against any actions that might discourage the promoters of such transformative initiatives. “Anyone frustrating this investment should be seen as an enemy of the state. This project addresses our critical challenges of hunger and unemployment. It is time to move beyond summits and discussions; we must take decisive action,” he stated.
Impressive Scale of Operations
Sharing his impressions, the Ooni said, “Today is one of my happiest days. This is the largest cassava farm I’ve seen in Nigeria, with over 5,000 hectares under cultivation. I’ve visited farms across the country, and none compare to what I’ve seen here.” The monarch offered prayers and blessings for the farm’s success, urging the community to support the initiative wholeheartedly.
Future Vision for Agbeyewa Farms
Speaking during the tour, the Executive Director of Agbeyewa Farms Limited, Mr. Oscar Seyi Ayeleso, outlined the farm’s ambitious plans. “We aim to establish Africa’s best agro-allied cassava processing plant. This will become a cassava farming estate, covering 10,000 hectares, and will produce a variety of processed foods for families,” he said.
Commendations from Ekiti Monarchs.
Accompanying the Ooni on the tour were: HRM Oba Sir Olufemi Aribisala, Alaaye of Oke Ayedun Ekiti; HRM Oba Kareem Azeez Adebanjo, Olu of Itapaji; and HRM Oba Williams Oluseyi Ehinmodupin, Obanla of Ipao Ekiti.
The traditional rulers expressed gratitude to the Ooni for prioritizing the visit despite his busy schedule, describing it as a demonstration of his exemplary leadership. They offered prayers for his continued health and long life to lead the Yoruba nation effectively.
Agbeyewa Farms continues to stand as a beacon of economic growth, showcasing the potential of agriculture to create jobs, alleviate poverty, and foster sustainable development.
L-R: Ron Niran Olajide, CFO Cavista Holdings, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Chairman Cavista Holdings, John Niyi Olajide during a working visit by the Ooni to Agbeyewa Farms (owned by Cavista Holdings) in Ekiti State.
L-R: His Royal Highness, Oba Sir Olufemi Aribisala, the Alaaye of Oke Ayedun Ekiti; Chief Financial Officer, Cavista Holdings, Mr. Niran Olajide; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Chairman, Cavista, (Owners of Agbeyewa Farms), Mr. John Olajide; HRH, Oba Kareem Azeez Adebanjo, the Olu of Itapaji and HRH, Oba Williams Oluseyi Ehinmodupin, the Obanla of Ipao Ekiti during a tour of Agbeyewa Farms at Itapaji Ekiti, Ekiti State, this weekend.
