The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has emphasized that Nigeria’s wealth of resources leaves no justification for its economic struggles.
The monarch highlighted the vast, untapped potential in cassava derivatives such as sorbitol, starch, and ethanol—global industries worth billions of dollars—that remain underdeveloped in Nigeria.
He praised Agbeyewa Farms for transforming Ekiti North, a region previously plagued by insecurity, into a thriving hub for cassava cultivation.
According to a statement released on Monday, the Ooni commended the bold initiative to mechanize over 20,000 hectares of farmland, describing it as a transformative project that could reshape Nigeria’s agricultural future.
“It’s not just about farming,” the statement read. “This initiative is rewriting the narrative of a community once defined by fear and insecurity. It is creating opportunities, ensuring food security, attracting foreign investments, and generating countless jobs.”
The Ooni toured the farm, spanning five communities, including Ipao and Itapaji, and witnessed its advanced agricultural techniques.
He praised the farm’s ability to achieve over 30 tons of cassava per hectare—far exceeding Nigeria’s national average of 4 to 6 tons—through the use of drought-resistant varieties.
Referring to President Bola Tinubu’s call for modernized farming, the Ooni stressed the importance of innovation.“We cannot continue to farm using outdated methods,” he said.
“Agbeyewa Farms is showing us that innovation is not just an option—it is a necessity. They are proving that agriculture can be both profitable and transformative.”
The monarch also called for urgent action to tackle the security challenges that hinder farmers across Nigeria. “We must confront the hard realities of agriculture,” he said.
“Our future as a nation depends on it. While the current administration is making progress, we need a united front to address insecurity and support farmers.”
He pledged to champion efforts to combat insecurity and promote agricultural reforms, urging Nigerians to embrace modern techniques and face the challenges of food production head-on.
