- The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has asserted that Nigeria’s poverty is unwarranted, given its vast agricultural resources, particularly in cassava
- He praised Agbeyewa Farms in Ekiti North for transforming over 20,000 hectares into mechanised cassava plantations, boosting yields from 4–6 tons to 30 tons per hectare
- The monarch commended efforts to turn insecure regions into hubs of agricultural productivity, urging a continued focus on security to empower farmers
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has expressed his belief that Nigeria has no excuse to remain a poor nation, given its vast untapped potential, particularly in agriculture.
Speaking during a visit to Agbeyewa Farms in Ekiti North, the monarch highlighted the transformative efforts being made in cassava cultivation, a crop with significant global economic value.
The Ooni emphasised the immense opportunities in cassava derivatives such as sorbitol, starch, and ethanol, which represent billion-dollar industries globally but remain underutilized in Nigeria.
He lauded Agbeyewa Farms for converting over 20,000 hectares of land into mechanised cassava plantations across five communities, including Ipao and Itapaji. This initiative has not only increased cassava production but also addressed security challenges in a region previously marred by insecurity.
The monarch described the project as “more than just farming,” praising its role in bolstering food security, attracting foreign investment, and creating job opportunities.
“This initiative is rewriting the narrative of a community previously defined by fear and insecurity. Agbeyewa has turned what was once a ‘kidnappers’ axis’ into a land of opportunity,” Ooni remarked.
Agbeyewa Farms has achieved yields of over 30 tons per hectare, a significant improvement over Nigeria's national average of 4–6 tons. The farm's adoption of advanced agricultural techniques and drought-resistant cassava varieties serves as a model for innovation in the sector.
Praising the farm’s approach, the Ooni stated, “Agbeyewa has established itself as the largest cassava producer in Nigeria. There is absolutely no reason why we should be a poor nation.”
Echoing President Bola Tinubu’s call for modernised farming methods, the monarch stressed that outdated agricultural practices must be replaced with mechanization and innovation.
“We cannot continue to farm with outdated methods. Agbeyewa Farms is proving that agriculture can be both profitable and transformative,” he added.
The Ooni also called for urgent measures to resolve security challenges that deter farmers from cultivating their lands.
“Nigerians have often been wary of the hard work involved in agriculture, but it’s time we face these challenges. Our nation depends on it. I’m taking it upon myself to be a major advocate for combating insecurity in agriculture,” he expressed.
The monarch commended the current administration's progress in addressing security concerns but urged for a more unified and determined national effort to tackle these issues.
“The future of Nigeria lies in agriculture. If we unite and face these challenges, we can secure a brighter future for our people and the nation,” Oba Ogunwusi further stated.
Ooni’s deep sense of history an asset for Nigeria Unity – Onoh
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Dr Josef Onoh, former campaign spokesman for President Bola Tinubu in the South East, had hailed the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), as a vital asset in the quest for national unity in Nigeria.
In a heartfelt message commemorating the monarch’s golden jubilee, Onoh praised the Ooni’s versatility and deep understanding of Nigeria’s diverse cultural histories.
