Agbeyewa Farms has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional rulers to expand job creation at the grassroots and accelerate agricultural transformation across communities.
Speaking at the Third Annual Agbeyewa Traditional Rulers Retreat held at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort in Ekiti State, Chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, Niyi John-Olajide, commended royal fathers for their sustained support, noting that their collaboration has been instrumental in advancing his vision of mass employment for Nigerians.
He explained that the retreat provides a platform to reassure host communities that Agbeyewa’s operations are not driven by land control, but by a mission to create shared value through inclusive economic development.
He added that the company’s expansion, including the acquisition of Matna Foods, is aimed at strengthening the cassava value chain by guaranteeing off-take for farmers.
John-Olajide disclosed that the company has deployed modern farming technologies capable of boosting 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 deeper collaboration among government, traditional institutions, and private investors to unlock the economic potential of forest lands. He noted that commercial farming could help curb insecurity, particularly kidnapping, by converting idle forests into productive economic zones.
The monarch added that such partnerships are already yielding results in Ekiti North, a region once troubled by insecurity but now experiencing improved safety and economic activity due to Agbeyewa’s intervention. He urged affluent Nigerians, including those in the diaspora, to invest in agriculture and agro-industrial ventures to drive employment.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Ekiti State Traditional Council, Adejimi Adu, encouraged traditional rulers to sustain their support by mobilising farmers to increase cassava cultivation, assuring them of a ready market. The Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti also commended the company’s workforce, urging continued dedication, integrity, and discipline.
Representing Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Chief of Staff Oyeniyi Adebayo said the government would continue to position Agbeyewa as a global leader in cassava farming.
He noted that private sector investments have boosted the state’s economy, with GDP rising from ₦2.4 trillion in 2022 to nearly ₦5 trillion, adding that efforts are ongoing to resolve land disputes and improve the investment climate.
