The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, have called on the traditional rulers in Ekiti State to support the efforts of investors and individuals working towards the development of the state.

Oyebanji and Ooni, who stated this against the backdrop of reports of hostile and unfriendly dispositions of some monarchs to investors in their domains, explained the roles of the traditional institutions in community development, adding that they should be friendly and supportive of investment opportunities in their areas.

The duo spoke at the weekend during the second edition of the traditional rulers retreat organized by the Cavista holdings and Agbeyewa farms held at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and conference center, Ikogosi-Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area of the state.

The retreat with the theme, ‘Unlocking Ekiti’s Potential: The Role of Traditional Rulers in Attracting Investments’ was attended by traditional rulers across Ekiti state.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo, the governor said the retreat is important for the government, traditional institutions, and investors to collaborate in enhancing progress and fostering economic growth.

Oyebanji said, “One of the things investors need is peace in the community where they operate. It is the traditional rulers who can guarantee peace and receive investors warmly, cooperate with them, and ensure that the investment thrives.

“Once in a while, there may be dissenting voices in those communities; it is the duty of the monarchs to calm the dissenting voices. Investors want return on investment, and this can only happen when the community cooperates with the investors.”

While acknowledging the impacts of the multi-billion naira investment of the chairman of Cavista holdings, John Olajide, in the state, especially the expansive Agbeyewa farms, which is the subsidiary of Cavista, Ooni noted that these investments would, in small measure, boost the state’s economy with employment opportunities for youths, among others.

“The role of the traditional rulers in community development is so key and important. So, I will want to urge our traditional rulers to support the investors and their investments because it is through these companies that will easily change things for our good in terms of economic development, especially in the area of jobs for our people.”

He appealed to other well-meaning individuals and private organizations in the diaspora to emulate the commitment and interest of Olajide for his community’s development by coming home to invest and add values to the people.

“My message is, seeing is believing. Let them come home. Enough of the blame game. They should stop complaining that Nigeria is bad. Let them come and take over the leadership. You don’t have to be a political leader. You can choose to be a leader in the business world, like John Olajide of Agbeyewa Farm.

“For us, we need more people like this, and we have them all over the world. I will appeal to them to come home. They are the ones who can develop this nation. Countries like America, India, and China came back to their countries to develop them.

On his part, the CEO of Cavista, John Olajide, explained that the retreat, which is the second edition, was aimed at seeking more collaboration with the traditional institution for more productive engagement and investment in the state.

He disclosed that his major interest in investing in Ekiti is to revitalize the economy through massive job creation for the youths, noting that the Agbeyewa farms, in less than three years, have been adjudged as the biggest cassava farm in the country.