Ooni Backs Agbeyewa Model to Tackle Insecurity, Joblessness

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has championed a transformative agricultural model, Agbeyewa Farms, as a potent solution to Nigeria's pressing challenges of youth unemployment, insecurity, and food scarcity. Speaking at the 3rd Annual Traditional Rulers’ Retreat in Ikogosi Ekiti, the revered monarch passionately advocated for the replication of this successful initiative across the nation, underscoring its proven impact in revitalizing communities.

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The Ooni hailed the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Niyi Olajide, for the investment, food production initiative and job creation opportunity, which had made Agbeyewa Farms one of the biggest cassava farms in the world.

Oba Ogunwusi's endorsement stems from the tangible results observed in Ekiti North Senatorial District, an area once plagued by rampant kidnapping and banditry. The establishment of Agbeyewa Farms, a Cavista Holdings project, has not only spurred economic activity but has demonstrably pushed criminal elements out of the region. The monarch's assertion that such large-scale agricultural investments can effectively displace bandits and create a more secure environment resonates deeply within a nation grappling with widespread insecurity.

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Ekiti North, at some point, was filled with bandits. But Agbeyewa Farms pushed them away. So we want the same all over the country, even in the North.

This perspective, deeply rooted in local realities, contrasts sharply with international coverage that often focuses solely on the security challenges without highlighting indigenous solutions. The Ooni's call for value addition to land resources and the establishment of industries is a crucial local insight, emphasizing that true economic transformation requires more than just investment; it demands a strategic approach to harnessing natural resources for sustainable development and youth empowerment. Agbeyewa Farms, as a model, offers a compelling narrative of how localized, large-scale agricultural projects can serve as powerful engines for both economic growth and enhanced security, a message that resonates powerfully within Nigeria.

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If we don’t add value to land, how will things be possible in terms of economic development and youth emancipation? We need a lot of industries to spring up.