Agbeyewa Deepens Royal Partnerships to Drive Jobs, Boost Cassava Economy
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Agbeyewa Farms has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with traditional rulers to expand job creation at the grassroots and accelerate agricultural transformation.
Speaking at the Third Annual Agbeyewa Traditional Rulers Retreat held at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, Ekiti State, Chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, Niyi John-Olajide, commended royal fathers for their continued support, noting that their collaboration has been pivotal in turning his vision of mass employment for Nigerians into reality.
He explained that the retreat serves as a platform to reassure communities that Agbeyewa’s operations are not aimed at land acquisition for control, but rather at adding value through inclusive economic development. According to him, the company’s expansion—particularly its acquisition of Matna Foods—is designed to strengthen the cassava value chain by ensuring guaranteed offtake for farmers.
John-Olajide disclosed that Agbeyewa has introduced 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 growing demand.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, called for stronger collaboration between governments, traditional institutions, and private investors to unlock the economic potential of forest lands across Nigeria. He emphasized that commercial farming initiatives could help curb insecurity, particularly kidnapping, by transforming idle forests into productive economic zones.
The monarch noted that such partnerships have already delivered results in Ekiti North, once plagued by insecurity but now emerging as a safer and economically vibrant region due to Agbeyewa’s intervention. He urged other wealthy Nigerians, especially those in the diaspora, to invest in agriculture and industrial ventures to generate employment.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Ekiti State Traditional Council, Adejimi Adu, encouraged traditional rulers to sustain their support for Agbeyewa’s vision by mobilizing farmers to increase cassava cultivation, assuring them of a ready market.
The Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti commended the company’s workforce, urging them to maintain high standards of integrity, dedication, and discipline.
Representing the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, Chief of Staff Oyeniyi Adebayo said the government would continue to promote Agbeyewa as a global leader in cassava farming. He noted that investments by Agbeyewa and similar private enterprises have significantly boosted the state’s economy, with GDP rising from ₦2.4 trillion in 2022 to nearly ₦5 trillion.
He added that the government is actively addressing land disputes to create a more investor-friendly environment.
Delivering a keynote address, Vice Chancellor of Venite University, Charity Aremu, identified key challenges facing farmers, including limited access to credit, poor infrastructure, and inadequate inputs. She commended Agbeyewa for changing the narrative through its structured offtake model and urged traditional rulers to encourage youth participation in cassava farming.
Aremu further highlighted the need for Nigeria to emulate countries like Tanzania, where farmers benefit from access to tractors, improved seedlings, irrigation systems, and better road networks.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, called on residents to report suspicious activities through traditional institutions to enhance community policing. He assured that security agencies would intensify operations against criminal elements to sustain peace in the state.
