Embrace Ekiti agric firm’s model to tackle insecurity in Nigeria, Ooni urges FG

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on the federal government to adopt a private sector-driven agricultural initiative of Ekiti-based Agbeyewa farms as a strategic solution to Nigeria’s persistent insecurity challenges.

Speaking at the third annual traditional rulers’ summit organised by the firm, a subsidiary of cavista holdings in Ikogosi-Ekiti, the revered monarch said models like that of Agbeyewa Farms in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State have demonstrated how economic development and community-based investments can effectively curb banditry and kidnapping across the country.

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The retreat with the theme, ‘Driving Economic Transformation through Sustainable Agricultural Development’ had in attendance traditional rulers across the state, academics, government representatives,among others.

Ogunwusi noted that insecurity in Nigeria is closely linked to underutilisation of land and lack of economic opportunities, stressing that land remains the most critical factor of production. 

He said initiatives like Agbeyewa Farms have already begun to yield security benefits, particularly in Ekiti North, which had previously experienced significant security threats.

He urged traditional rulers in the state to take a more active role in mobilising resources and partnerships towards investment that would unlock the economic potential of their domains.

Ooni praised the chairman of Cavista Holdings, parent company of Agbeyewa farms , John Olajide, describing him as a globally accomplished Nigerian who returned home to invest in agriculture and community development. 

He noted that the project in Ekiti State stands as a shining example of how diaspora investment can transform local economies, adding that Agbeyewa Farms has grown to become the largest integrated cassava farm in the world, a feat he described as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.

According to him, “This is the first time Nigeria will host the largest integrated cassava farm globally, and it is happening under the current administration. It shows what is possible when the environment is right.

“We must not leave everything to government. When we come together and support private sector initiatives like Agbeyewa Farms, we are contributing meaningfully to national development and security.

” Ekiti North used to be a hotspot for banditry and kidnapping, but with the presence of this kind of development, those threats have been drastically reduced.”

The Ooni urged the Federal Government to study and replicate similar agricultural and industrial models of Agbeyewa across other parts of the country, including regions currently grappling with heightened insecurity.

“If we have more of these capacity development initiatives across Nigeria, we will see a significant decline in insecurity. This is a practical solution that should be embraced nationwide,” he said.

Ogunwusi, however, stressed that beyond production, Nigeria must prioritise value addition through industrial processing of cassava to maximise its economic benefits. While the country remains the world’s largest producer of cassava, he noted that it also consumes most of what it produces, with limited industrial application.

He also called on entrepreneurs, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, to emulate Olajide’s example by investing in productive ventures that directly impact communities.

On his part, Olajide who commended Ooni of Ife for his support towards the investment in the state, noted that the First class monarch has demonstrated uncommon passion for the industrialization and development of the states.

He noted that the establishment of the Agbeyewa farms a few years ago, which has become the largest cassava farm in the world, was necessitated to create jobs and engender economic opportunities for the youths.

Speaking to the traditional rulers, the chairman of Cavista Holdings said,” Your Majesties, the opportunity before Ekiti is significant. With the right alignment, agriculture can serve as a foundation for broader economic development, not just for this state, but as a model for other regions across Nigeria and Africa.

“On behalf of Cavista Holdings, I reaffirm our commitment to this journey. We will continue to work alongside the Government of Ekiti State, our traditional institutions, and our communities to continue to unlock opportunities, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth.”

The Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji lauded the investment and contributions of Agbeyewa farms to the state economy, reiterating the administration’s commitment in partnering private sector to drive its shared prosperity agenda.

Represented by the Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo, the governor who acknowledged the giant strides of the firm in becoming largest producer of cassava in the world, said the commitment and efforts of the chairman is yielding positive results.

He promised that the government would continue to enlighten its citizens especially traditional rulers on the need to support private investments in their communities towards achieving rapid socio-economic development.

The chairman of the Ekiti State Council of traditional rulers and Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu while commending the firm for the retreat which he said is novel and impactful, assured stakeholders that traditional institutions in the state would collaborate with the government and private investors in industrializing the state through agriculture and other sectors.

Speaking on the objectives of the retreat, the Managing Director/CEO Agbeyewa farms and Matna foods, Seyi Aiyeleso said the place of traditional rulers cannot be overemphasized in the activities of the firm, promising the commitment of the farm in the revolution of the agriculture sector.

” We are building the biggest cassava value chain in Africa and here’s why; It’s incredibly resilient, versatile, feeds millions daily, and powers our industries. Growing cassava means growing potential, and we are at the forefront of this drive,” he said.