Ooni of Ife advocates Agbeyewa Farms model to combat insecurity and unemployment

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on the Federal Government to adopt the Agbeyewa Farms model in Ekiti State, suggesting the conversion of forest areas into farmlands to address youth unemployment, insecurity, and food insecurity. Speaking at the 3rd Annual Traditional Rulers’ Retreat, Oba Ogunwusi highlighted that the establishment of Agbeyewa Farms in parts of the Ekiti North Senatorial District, previously prone to kidnapping, significantly reduced criminal activities. He noted improved security in communities like Ipao Ekiti, Gede Ekiti, and Iyemero Ekiti following large-scale agricultural investment. The Ooni commended Niyi Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings, for his investment, which has made Agbeyewa Farms one of the world's largest cassava farms, creating jobs and fostering food production. Olajide affirmed that the company's investments aim for job creation, food production, and economic transformation, with thousands currently employed at Agbeyewa Farms. He also mentioned the acquisition of Matna Food Limited to expand cassava processing and strengthen the value chain. The Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, represented by his Chief of Staff Niyi Adebayo, also lauded the investment for boosting job creation and the state's economy.