In a significant move to drive agricultural development, food security, and economic growth, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, led a federal government delegation to Agbeyewa Farms in Ipao-Ekiti, Ekiti State. This epoch visit was as a result of the invitation extended to the Honorable Minister by the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, John Olajide, to visit Agbeyewa Farms, one of the subsidiary Holdings of Cavista.
The Minister was received at the Ekiti Agro allied International Airport by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, who represented Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, alongside Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Information, alongside a powerful delegation from Cavista Holding led by its Director of Business Strategy, Kabir Shagaya. After the airport reception, the Minister and his entourage drove to Agbeyewa Farms at Ipao Ekiti, where he was received by the Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms, Oska Ayeleso.
This epoch visit was informed by President Bola Tinubu administration’s determination to galvanize the private sector towards Agricultural Revolution and economic prosperity, in Agbeyewa has been found as one of the aligning partners.
Agbeyewa Farms, a leader in innovative agricultural practices, showcased its extensive cassava farm field to the Minister and his team, highlighting advanced farming techniques that integrate technology and sustainability. These practices not only enhance productivity and high-yield cassava production in the farm but also contribute significantly to local economies by creating jobs and empowering communities. With over 1,500 hectares of cassava farm fields cultivated in the last two years, Agbeyewa Farms has become the largest cassava farm in Nigeria today.
During the engagement, Minister Kyari engaged with key team members at Agbeyewa Farms, expressing keen interest in the farm’s ambitious initiatives. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and private enterprises in fostering agricultural growth, particularly in light of Nigeria’s diverse agricultural potential. The Minister’s visit underscores the federal government’s interest in supporting innovative agricultural projects like Agbeyewa Farms, which align with its goals of promoting food security, economic growth, and sustainable development.
As the Minister and his team explore opportunities for collaboration, it’s clear that Agbeyewa Farms is poised to play a significant role in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. The visit also highlighted the critical role of public-private partnerships in advancing the sector and addressing pressing issues such as food security and job creation. Agbeyewa Farms remains steadfast in its mission to leverage innovative practices and sustainable methods to revolutionize the agricultural sector, ensuring long-term benefits for both farmers and communities.
The Minister’s visit is timely, considering the federal government’s renewed focus on agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and food security. As outlined in the Minister’s speech at the event, briefing that the government’s priorities include Food Security, Economic Growth and Job Creation, Poverty Eradication, and Inclusivity (Youths and Women). According to the Minister, the government aims to achieve these goals through various initiatives, including partnerships with serious investors like John Olajide and its Agbeyewa Farms.
“As the agricultural landscape in Nigeria evolves today, Agbeyewa Farms is anticipated to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, job creation, and contributing to national food security,” the Minister said.
Also, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security in Ekiti, Ebenezer Boluwade, said the coming of the Minister is a boost to the Public – Private Partnership arrangement between the State and Agbeyewa Farms, and this align with the agenda of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji Administration to create job opportunities through innovative agricultural practices and guarantees food security.
The Managing Director and CEO of Agbeyewa Farms, Oska Ayeleso, thanked the Minister and his his powerful delegation, saying that: The collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is expected to foster continued advancements in agricultural practices and positioning Agbeyewa Farms as a leader in the cassava revolution across the country and on the African continent.
“Agbeyewa Farms expresses gratitude for Minister Kyari’s visit and support, looking forward to a fruitful partnership that aims to shape the future of agriculture in Nigeria and in Africa at large. This will be made possible as we will strive to increase our cassava cultivation to 5,000 hectares at the end of the 2025 planting season,” Ayeleso said.