By Love Oyedokun

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has issued a powerful call to the Federal Government to adopt the “Agbeyewa Model” as a national template for addressing Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges. Speaking at the third annual Agbeyewa retreat for traditional rulers held at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, the monarch argued that the secret to national stability lies in turning dormant forest lands into productive agricultural enterprises.

Cablenews24 reports that the Ooni pointed to the success of Agbeyewa Farms—now recognized as the world’s largest cassava producer—as definitive proof that private sector investment paired with community support can effectively stabilize regions and boost local economies.

At the heart of the Ooni’s argument is the strategic utilization of land. He emphasized that by activating vast, untapped forest reserves, the government can stimulate economic growth and mitigate security risks associated with ungoverned spaces.

“Land remains the most critical factor of production,” Oba Ogunwusi stated. He challenged traditional rulers to move beyond passive leadership, urging them to proactively unlock communal lands for investors. By fostering a climate where the private sector can thrive, traditional institutions can play a direct role in creating jobs and reducing the poverty-driven instability that often fuels unrest.

John Olajide, Chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, underscored that Nigeria’s path to economic diversification requires moving away from crude oil dependency. The firm’s growth trajectory highlights the sheer scale of the agricultural potential within the country:

• 2024: Cultivated over 1,000 hectares of cassava.
• 2025: Expanded to 2,800 hectares.
• 2026 Goal: Projected reach of 5,000 hectares.

Beyond mere cultivation, the farm is moving into value-added industrial processing. With the 2026 acquisition of the Matna Food Company, Agbeyewa Farms is positioning itself to establish one of the largest cassava processing plants in Africa. This integration ensures that the economic benefits remain within the local value chain, providing a reliable market for smallholder farmers and strengthening the nation’s global competitiveness.

The retreat served as a nexus for stakeholders, with Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji—represented by Chief of Staff Niyi Adebayo—reaffirming the state’s dedication to this partnership. The administration views Agbeyewa Farms not just as a business, but as a landmark investment that drives internally generated revenue (IGR) and enhances the livelihoods of rural populations.

Key takeaways from the collaborative session included:

1. Shared Responsibility: Development must be a joint effort between the government, private investors, and local communities.
2. Diaspora-Driven Development: Projects like Agbeyewa serve as a testament to the potential of Nigerians in the diaspora to reinvest in their homeland.
3. Holistic Economic Growth: Agriculture serves as a dual-purpose tool, simultaneously securing food supply and providing a pathway out of insecurity for youth in rural areas.

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As Agbeyewa Farms continues to expand, the message from the Ooni of Ife is clear: the solution to many of Nigeria’s systemic problems is already growing in its soil. By treating agriculture as a security-critical enterprise, Nigeria can harness its land to foster a more peaceful, prosperous, and self-sufficient future.

The retreat concluded with a renewed commitment from the traditional institution to act as a bridge between investors and local communities, ensuring that the next chapter of Nigeria’s agricultural revolution is both inclusive and secure.

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