Ekiti Speaker, Lawmakers Visit Agbeyewa Farms, Pledge Support For Agribusiness

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By AbdulRahman Tiwatope

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, on Tuesday led a team of lawmakers to Agbeyewa Farms in Ikole Local Government Area, assuring of legislative support for agribusiness in the state.

The lawmakers were received by the farm’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Oscar Seyi Ayeleso, alongside the Director of Engagement and Communication, Mr. Dauda Lawal, and other top executives.

On arrival, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted to the farm staged a colourful parade in honour of the Assembly delegation, adding glamour to the visit.

Agbeyewa Farms, which currently operates across nine communities, is rated as one of the fastest-growing cassava plantations in Nigeria.

Assembly Backs Private Sector Investment

Commending the project, Speaker Aribasoye promised that the House would continue to provide legislative backing, enabling laws, and budgetary support to strengthen agriculture and attract more private investors.

He praised the vision of the Chairman and Project Initiator, Mr. John Olajide, describing him as a committed investor who has turned a once-troubled zone into a hub of job creation and economic growth.

The Speaker further noted that the large-scale cassava project has also boosted security and local trade, replacing criminal hideouts with thriving farming activities.

Lawmakers Tour Farm Facilities

The Assembly delegation, accompanied by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Agriculture Processing Zone, Pastor Kehinde Ajayi, spent over three hours on the farm.

The team inspected various facilities, held discussions with staff, and assessed the farm’s heavy-duty equipment.

Farm Targets 100,000 Hectares In 10 Years

Welcoming the lawmakers, Mr. Ayeleso revealed that Agbeyewa Farms—established in 2022—has drawn up a 10-year expansion plan to cultivate 100,000 hectares of cassava.

He disclosed that the farm already grows 13 species of cassava, employs about 350 direct workers, and continues to expand its value-chain operations.

Ayeleso urged the Assembly to explore more ways the state government can support the initiative, stressing that the farm’s mission aligns with Ekiti’s push for industrialisation, food security, youth empowerment, and economic sustainability.