Ooni, Oyebanji excited as Agbeyewa Farms is named world's largest cassava producer
The Ooni of Ife and Biodun Oyebanji have commended the emergence of Agbeyewa Farms as the world’s largest cassava producer. Both leaders described the development as a significant milestone for
The Ooni of Ife and Biodun Oyebanji have commended the emergence of Agbeyewa Farms as the world’s largest cassava producer.
Both leaders described the development as a significant milestone for Ekiti State and the nation’s agricultural sector, noting that it reinforces Nigeria’s position as a global leader in cassava production.
They spoke at the third annual Agbeyewa retreat for traditional rulers held at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, where stakeholders emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between traditional institutions and private investors to accelerate agricultural development.
Oba Ogunwusi said the achievement highlights the growing impact of private sector investments in agriculture, particularly in stimulating rural economies, strengthening food security, and creating employment opportunities.
The monarch also praised the Chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, John Olajide, for investing in Nigeria, describing the initiative as a model for diaspora-driven development.
Oba Ogunwusi noted that the emergence of Agbeyewa Farm as the world’s largest cassava producer clearly shows what can be achieved through collaboration between community leaders and private investors.
The first class traditional ruler said land remained the most critical factor of production, urging traditional rulers to take deliberate steps in unlocking communal lands for investment and economic growth.
He noted that development should not be left to government alone, stressing that traditional institutions must play active roles in supporting private sector-driven initiatives.
“We should not leave everything for government to do. When we come together and support initiatives like this, we can drive meaningful development in our communities,” he said.
Governor Oyebanji represented by his Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional rulers and the private sector to drive economic growth and job creation.
Oyebanji described Agbeyewa Farms as a landmark investment, noting that its success story should be promoted to attract more investors into the state.
The governor added that the project was contributing to job creation, boosting internally generated revenue as well as improving people's livelihoods across communities.
Earlier, the Chairman of Agbeyewa Farms John Olajide, said that the agricultural firm rapid growth reinforced the huge potential of agriculture to transform the Nigeria’s economy without heavily relying on revenue from the sales of crude oil.
He said that the firm cultivated over 1,000 hectares of cassava in 2024 and expanded to about 2,800 hectares by 2025, with plans to reach 5,000 hectares by the end of 2026.
Olajide added that the farm had begun transitioning into industrial processing following the acquisition of a processing facility, Matna Food company in 2026, aimed at bridging the gap between farm production and factory output.
He added that plans were underway to establish one of the largest cassava processing plants in Africa, which would enhance value addition and strengthen global competitiveness.
Olajide encouraged farmers to bring their cassava produce to the company, noting that the farm is fully ready to buy in large quantities, saying the initiative is aimed at creating a reliable market for their produce and strengthening the cassava value chain.
