….. Expresses excitement on firm’s emergence as largest cassava farm globally

The Federal Government has expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Agbeyewa farm on the Joint Venture partnership for the production of 5,000 hectares of cassava.

This was just as its expressed excitement on the emergence of the farm as not only the largest cassava farm in Africa, but as number one globally.

Recall that NALDA and the Agbeyewa Farms signed an MoU in Nov 2025 on cultivation of 5,000 hectares to scale up cassava production in the country.

It was a Joint Venture partnership for land development and cassava production, as well as the management of the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estate in Irele, Ekiti State owned by the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA).

The Executive Secretary of the NALDA, Engr. Cornelius Adebayo, spoke yesterday during the working tour of the Agbeyewa farm and the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estate in Ekiti State.

Speaking at Agbeyewa Farms, Adebayo said his perception of the scope of Nigerian agriculture changed after witnessing firsthand the scale, professionalism and commitment of the company, noting that Agbeyewa had become a reference point for what is possible when government and the private sector work together.

“I used to referenced foreign farms as examples of what Nigeria could achieve, but when I came to Agbeyewa and saw serious-minded people doing something remarkable, I changed my perspective. These are the kinds of companies government should partner with,” he said.

The NALDA boss recalled describing Agbeyewa as Nigeria’s largest cassava farm during an earlier visit, expressing excitement that the company has become the largest cassava farm in the world.

The Executive Secretary said agriculture must be treated as a business rather than merely as an intervention programme, stressing that government’s responsibility is to create an enabling environment for private investors to thrive.

He explained that NALDA’s partnership with Agbeyewa, covering 5,000 hectares under a joint venture arrangement, reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding commercial agriculture through strategic collaboration rather than handouts.

“Our aim is to add 5,000 hectares to Agbeyewa’s cultivated land. Government’s role is to make business easier for the private sector to excel. Together, we are building something that will make Nigeria proud, Africa proud and become a global reference point,” he stated.

Adebayo also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing visionary leadership and creating the policy environment needed for institutions and businesses to succeed.

Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Osca Seyi Aiyeleso, expressed appreciation to NALDA for honouring its commitments under the partnership with Agbeyewa.

Ayeleso recalled that shortly after discussions with the Executive Secretary, the Authority deployed 12 bulldozers to support land development, describing the intervention as a clear demonstration that NALDA under Engr. Adebayo is committed to practical results.

According to him, the collaboration has significantly accelerated the company’s expansion plans and reaffirmed Agbeyewa’s commitment to working with NALDA in advancing Nigeria’s food security objectives.

“We have seen the impact of NALDA’s support. This partnership has shown that NALDA is ready to collaborate effectively with private agricultural companies to feed the nation. We deeply appreciate the Executive Secretary for keeping his promises and for standing with us,” he said.