Ooni seeks support to combat hunger, unemployment

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has called on traditional rulers to support efforts to combat hunger and youth unemployment by providing land for credible investors in the agricultural sector.

The foremost traditional ruler made this appeal on Monday during a tour of the multi-billion-naira Agbeyewa farms in Itapaji-Ekiti in the Ikole local government area.

Oba Ogunwusi, who was accompanied on the tour by the traditional rulers from the host communities, the Chairman of Cavista Holdings (owners of Agbeyewa Farms), Mr. John Olajide, and the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Niran Olajide, expressed admiration for the transformative investment and its potential impact.

The Ooni, who spent six hours touring the farm, declared that Ekiti is poised to become Nigeria’s agribusiness hub with the right stakeholder support.

Addressing workers and officials of Agbeyewa Farms, the Ooni lauded Mr. John Olajide as a visionary leader and reformer, whose investment demonstrates genuine care for community development.

The Ooni 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.

The monarch also highlighted the urgent need to address youth unemployment, emphasising that young people represent both the strength and protectors of the palace but could pose a threat if not gainfully employed.

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.

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.

The Ekiti monarchs, who accompanied the respected monarch on the tour include, HRH 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.