The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has called on governments at all levels in Nigeria to adopt the Agbeyewa agricultural model as a strategic solution to the country’s persistent security challenges, emphasizing that sustainable economic empowerment remains the most effective pathway to national stability.
In a statement on Thursday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare said the Ooni Ogunwusi made this assertion at the third Ekiti State Traditional Rulers’ Retreat held at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Centre, where he served as the Royal Father of the Day.
The retreat brought together key stakeholders including the Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, traditional rulers, policymakers, and major players in Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem.
He noted that insecurity across the country is largely driven by unemployment, poverty, and lack of engagement among the youth, stressing that structured agricultural initiatives like Agbeyewa Farms can provide a lasting solution by creating jobs and restoring dignity to rural livelihoods.
Ooni Ogunwusi further commended the vision behind Agbeyewa Farms, an agribusiness platform under Cavista Holdings, describing it as a model capable of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural value chain while addressing socio-economic challenges.
According to him, “when young people are meaningfully engaged through agriculture and other productive ventures, the tendency for social unrest and criminality reduces significantly. What we are seeing with Agbeyewa is not just farming, but a holistic economic system that empowers communities.”
He added that the alignment between government, traditional institutions, and private sector players, as demonstrated through the retreat, is critical to achieving sustainable development and national cohesion.
Speaking also, the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide, emphasized that the future of Nigeria lies in translating its vast potential into tangible economic opportunities, particularly through agriculture.
He highlighted the company’s efforts in building a robust cassava ecosystem that integrates farming, processing, and market expansion.
Olajide explained that Agbeyewa Farms has, within a short period, grown to become the largest cassava farm in Africa, driven by a commitment to restoring pride in farming while creating employment and supporting food security.
He further disclosed that the recent acquisition of Matna Foods Limited is part of a broader strategy to deepen processing capacity and expand opportunities for farmers, noting that the move would strengthen Nigeria’s cassava industrialisation drive.
According to him, agriculture, when properly structured, has the capacity to absorb labour, stimulate enterprise, and reduce migration pressures, thereby contributing to national stability.
The retreat, organised by Agbeyewa Farms, also featured discussions on sustainable agricultural development, with experts highlighting the importance of partnerships in driving food security, job creation, and economic transformation across Nigeria.
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