Implore Nigerians in Diaspora to invest at home
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, have called on traditional rulers in Ekiti State to support the efforts of investors and individuals that are working towards the economic development of the state.

They also enjoined the traditional rulers to play active roles in the development of their communities by ensuring safe and secured environment for investors and their investments.

Oyebanji and the Ooni said that the monarchs should be friendly and supportive to investment opportunities in their areas.

The duo spoke, at the weekend, during the second edition of the traditional rulers’ retreat themed “Unlocking Ekiti’s Potential: The Role of Traditional Rulers in Attracting Investments,’ organised by the Cavista Holdings and Agbeyewa Farms held at Ikogosi-Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Council of the state.

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

Ooni, while acknowledging the impacts of investments by Chairman of Cavista Holdings, John Olajide, in the state, especially the expansive Agbeyewa Farms, noted that the investments would 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 said.

Oba Ogunwusi, therefore, appealed to other well-meaning individuals and private organisations 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.

On his part, 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 said that his major interest in investing in Ekiti was to revitalisethe economy through massive job creation for the youths, noting that the Agbeyewa Farms in less than three years had been adjudged as the biggest cassava farms in the country.