The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, recently led a federal government delegation to Agbeyewa Farms in Ipao-Ekiti, Ekiti State, in a bid to bolster agricultural development, food security, and economic growth in Nigeria.
The visit was made following an invitation extended by John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings, whose subsidiary, Agbeyewa Farms, has emerged as a leader in agricultural innovation.
Upon arrival at the Ekiti Agroallied International Airport, the Minister was warmly received by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, who represented Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
He was accompanied by Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Information, and a notable delegation from Cavista Holdings, led by Kabir Shagaya, Director of Business Strategy. The Minister and his team proceeded to Agbeyewa Farms, where they were welcomed by the Managing Director, Oska Ayeleso.
The visit forms part of the President Bola Tinubu administration’s drive to engage the private sector in the agricultural revolution and foster economic prosperity. Agbeyewa Farms, recognized for its cutting-edge farming techniques, has been identified as a key partner in this mission.
Agbeyewa Farms’ 1,500 hectares of cassava fields, cultivated over the past two years, have positioned the farm as the largest cassava producer in Nigeria. During the visit, the Minister toured the farm’s extensive fields, which highlight the integration of technology and sustainable farming practices aimed at increasing productivity and ensuring long-term food security.
The farm’s efforts have not only contributed to the country’s food supply but have also created numerous jobs, empowering local communities.
Minister Kyari engaged with Agbeyewa Farms’ team, lauding their initiatives and stressing the importance of collaboration between government and private enterprises to unlock Nigeria’s agricultural potential.
“The role of the private sector is critical in advancing agriculture, particularly in areas like food security, economic growth, and job creation,” he said.
Kyari’s visit underscores the federal government’s commitment to fostering public-private partnerships to advance agricultural practices, address food security challenges, and enhance the livelihoods of Nigerians. Agbeyewa Farms is seen as a pivotal player in the country’s agricultural transformation, with plans to scale its cassava cultivation to 5,000 hectares by the end of 2025.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s focus on inclusivity, youth and women empowerment, and poverty eradication through agriculture. “Our goal is to ensure that agriculture drives economic growth and provides sustainable job opportunities,” he remarked.
In his address, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ebenezer Boluwade, noted that the Minister’s visit marked a significant step forward for the public-private partnership between the state and Agbeyewa Farms. This aligns with Governor Oyebanji’s agenda to create jobs and ensure food security through innovative agricultural practices.
Oska Ayeleso, Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms, expressed gratitude to the Minister for his visit, reaffirming the farm’s commitment to advancing agricultural practices in Nigeria. “We are excited about the potential of this collaboration and look forward to strengthening our efforts in transforming the cassava industry,” Ayeleso said.
As Agbeyewa Farms continues to lead the way in agricultural innovation, the visit by Minister Kyari marks a promising chapter in Nigeria’s agricultural revolution. The partnership between Agbeyewa Farms and the federal government is expected to drive growth, ensure food security, and provide significant employment opportunities, both locally and across the nation.