The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has charged traditional rulers in the state to continue supporting the activities of private investors and government by ensuring peace and development of their respective communities.
This will ensure that such investors will be able to thrive and do their business without hindrance.
Addressing a one-day retreat organized by Cavista Holdings at the Ikogosi Warm Springs and Conference Center, Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Honourable Olaiya Atibioke, underscored the traditional rulers’ significance as liaisons between the people and government, particularly in fostering socio-economic growth, notably in agriculture.
He urged them to take advantage of their status and position in the community to regularly communicate government policies and programmes to their people, mobilize support for new investments, and act as mediators where required to ensure peaceful co-existence between businesses and communities.
Commending Cavista Holdings for its commitment to the state’s advancement, the governor highlighted the company’s “Cassava Revolution” plan, aimed at generating employment for 10,000 youths through partnerships with local communities and Agbeyewa Farms Limited, a Cavista subsidiary.
In his address to the traditional rulers, Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide, emphasized the transformative potential of agricultural investment, affirming the company’s enduring dedication to Ekiti’s prosperity. He stated that Ekiti has the potential to be a hub for cassava production, ensuring economic empowerment and food security.
He said “while I may not be a farmer myself, my passion for economic development and my understanding of the fundamental role of successful commercial agriculture in driving the economic transformation of any people is why we are investing in Ekiti state through Agbeyewa Farms… we are here for the long haul. We are not going anywhere.”
Olajide further stressed that through the cassava revolution, Ekiti will become the home of the cassava revolution in Nigeria, providing millions of tonnes of cassava to feed millions of people, and empowering farmers in the state.
The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Abayomi Fasina delivered the keynote address, where he elaborated on the vast agribusiness opportunities available to communities, emphasizing the role of traditional rulers in poverty alleviation and job creation.
In a resounding endorsement, traditional rulers pledged their support for the initiative, acknowledging Cavista Holdings’ contributions to the state’s development.
Speaking on their behalf, the Chairman of the Ekiti State traditional rulers, Oba Ayorinde Faboro (the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti), hailed the event as a historic gathering of traditional rulers and pledged their unified backing for the plan’s implementation.
The one-day retreat witnessed the presence of dignitaries including Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye, Majority Leader Tolulope Ige, Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utility, Prof Mobolaji Aluko and Director General of Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency, Mrs. Lolade Olutola, signalling broad-based support for the agribusiness initiative.
