Ooni urges monarchs to tackle hunger, unemployment via agric

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has appealed to his colleagues to support the ongoing efforts to tackle the twin menace of hunger and youth unemployment, by releasing communities’ lands for genuine investors, especially those in the agricultural sector.

The Arole Oodua made the call during a tour of the facilities at the multi-billion Naira Agbeyewa Farms in Itapaji-Ekiti, Ekiti State at the weekend.

Led by the promoters of the farms and Chairman, Cavista (Owners of Agbeyewa Farms), Mr. John Olajide, his brother and partner, Niran Olajide, and accompanied by the traditional rulers of the host communities, Oba Ogunwusi expressed delight on the huge investment.

The Ooni, who spent about six hours on the farm, said Ekiti would soon become the agribusiness hub of the nation if Agbeyewa gets the expected cooperation from stakeholders.

Among the entourage of the Ooni were Oba Sir Olufemi Aribisala, the Alaaye of Oke Ayedun Ekiti; Oba Kareem Azeez Adebanjo, the Olu of Itapaji, and Oba Williams Oluseyi Ehinmodupin, the Obanla of Ipao Ekiti

Addressing the workers and top officials of the farms, which covered over 5000 hectares of land, Oba Ogunwusi described Olajide as an “enigma and reformer” who had shown genuine love for his people.

The foremost monarch, therefore, advocated utmost support and cooperation towards the success and sustenance of the investment.

Describing the initiative as a long-term investment, the Ooni said Ekiti State and, indeed Nigeria, should be proud of the promoters.

He called on traditional rulers to always support any intervention that would create employment for the youths and curb poverty and hunger in the land.

He warned that the frightening unemployment figure among Nigerian youths calls for concern by stakeholders, particularly the palace.

According to the Ooni, the youths are the strength and protectors of the palace, warning that they could also be a threat to the palace if they are not properly managed or gainfully employed.

He also described the project as a practical response to the nation’s current challenge of hunger and unemployment.

“This is not the time to witness a stakeholders’ meeting or summit on agriculture. Let’s walk the talk now. We have been talking since 1960,” the monarch urged.

The Ekiti monarchs who took part in the tour said the Ooni had demonstrated unique leadership skills since he ascended the throne of his forebears.

In his remarks, the Executive Director of Agbeyewa Farms Limited, Mr. Oscar Seyi Ayeleso, said the farm would establish the best agro-allied cassava processing plant in the whole of Africa.

“And I will tell you that where you are seeing today, where you are today, will soon become a cassava farming estate. We are growing 10,000 hectares, and we have our agro-allied company here. We will be processing so many varieties,” he added.