Agbeyewa Farms has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with traditional rulers as part of efforts to drive grassroots job creation and accelerate Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
This was the focus of discussions at the Third Annual Agbeyewa Traditional Rulers Retreat held at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Centre, where stakeholders emphasized the role of community partnerships in expanding the cassava value chain.
Chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, Niyi John-Olajide, commended traditional rulers for their sustained support, noting that their involvement has been instrumental in translating his vision of mass employment into tangible outcomes.
He explained that the retreat serves to reassure host communities that Agbeyewa’s operations are not driven by land control ambitions, but by a goal to create shared economic value. According to him, the company’s expansion strategy—including the acquisition of Matna Foods—is aimed at strengthening the cassava value chain by guaranteeing market access for farmers.
John-Olajide further disclosed that the company has deployed modern farming technologies capable of increasing cassava yields from six tonnes per hectare to about 30 tonnes, urging farmers to scale up production in response to rising demand.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, called for stronger synergy between government, traditional institutions, and private investors to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s forest resources. He noted that commercial agriculture could play a key role in addressing insecurity, particularly kidnapping, by transforming idle forest lands into productive ventures.
The monarch observed that such collaborations are already yielding results in parts of Ekiti North, which have witnessed improved security and economic activity. He urged affluent Nigerians, especially those in the diaspora, to channel investments into agriculture and agro-industrial projects.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Ekiti State Traditional Council, Adejimi Adu, encouraged royal fathers to continue mobilizing local farmers to expand cassava cultivation, assuring them of a ready market through Agbeyewa’s offtake model.
The Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Samuel Adejimi Adu Alagbado, commended the company’s workforce and urged them to uphold high standards of integrity, discipline, and dedication.
Representing Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Chief of Staff Oyeniyi Adebayo said the state government would continue to position Agbeyewa as a global leader in cassava production. He noted that investments by the company and other private players have significantly boosted Ekiti’s economy, with the state’s Gross Domestic Product rising from ₦2.4 trillion in 2022 to nearly ₦5 trillion.
He added that efforts are ongoing to resolve land disputes and create a more investor-friendly environment.
In a keynote address, Vice Chancellor of Venite University, Charity Aremu, identified persistent challenges facing farmers, including limited access to credit, poor infrastructure, and inadequate inputs. She commended Agbeyewa’s structured offtake model for improving farmer confidence and urged traditional leaders to encourage youth participation in agriculture.
Aremu also called for Nigeria to adopt best practices from countries like Tanzania, where farmers benefit from access to mechanisation, improved seedlings, irrigation systems, and better rural infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through traditional institutions to strengthen community policing. He assured that security agencies would intensify operations to sustain peace across the state.