The federal government has expressed readiness to partner with the leading agriculture firm, Agbeyewa Farms, towards boosting food security and economic development in the country.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, stated this on Monday during his working visit and tour of the 10,000 hectares of expansive Agbeyewa Farm in Ipao-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti.
The Minister, who commended the founder of the farm, John Olajide, for his commitment and efforts at transforming the agriculture value chain in the country, noted that the federal government would support the initiatives for the benefit of the people and society.
Kyari said the administration of President Bola Tinubu, through his renewed hope agenda, is determined to engage and partner with the private sector in the development of the agriculture sector.
While describing the farm as an investment that would promote wealth creation and improve livelihoods in line with the administration’s vision, the Minister called on other private organisations to emulate Agbeyewa by investing in the agriculture industry.
According to him, “In Agbeyewa Farm, I see wealth creation, I see the uplifting of livelihoods, and I see food security, which aligns with Mr President’s vision of renewed hope.
“I’m highly impressed and satisfied with the efforts they have made in just two years, and I want to acknowledge the vision of the founder, Mr John Olajide. This is an institution, and we are ready to partner with them to achieve the President’s agenda in food security.
“They have also promised to scale up their operations in the coming months, and we wish them well.
“This visit is an eye-opener, and it is our responsibility to report back to Mr President on how investments like this can be supported and enhanced.”
The Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms Ltd, Seyi Aiyeleso, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to becoming Africa’s leading agro-allied enterprise while fostering sustainable agricultural investments and community empowerment.
Aiyeleso stated that Agbeyewa Farms had already cultivated 1,500 hectares of cassava across four farms in Ipao, Itapaji, Igede, Iyemero, and Ikosu, adding that the company plans to operate on over 10,000 hectares spanning nine communities by 2026.
He lauded the Minister for the visit, saying it would unlock more potential in the area of partnership while impacting more lives through the Agbeyewa innovations in cassava farming.
The MD said, “We began modestly in 2022, cultivating just over 102 hectares of cassava. Today, we proudly cultivate over 1,500 hectares across four farms. Our journey hasn’t been without challenges, particularly in resolving land disputes with host communities.
“This year, 2025, we are cultivating 5,000 hectares of cassava plantations. This support isn’t bought; it’s earned. Over 800 workers from these communities report to our farms daily, helping grow their local economies. Word of Agbeyewa’s impact has spread beyond Ekiti State, drawing workers from neighbouring states of Kogi, Kwara, and Benue.
“However, through transparency, engagement, and trust-building, we have turned once-hostile communities into strong allies. By 2026, Agbeyewa will operate on over 10,000 hectares of land, with full support from these communities.
“Agbeyewa’s vision extends beyond farming. Our 26-hectare agro-processing plant will soon begin operations, producing high-quality cassava derivatives such as flour, starch, sorghum, ethanol, and electricity.
“Inspired by the success of companies like Omnicane in Mauritius, which generates power from sugarcane, we aim to achieve even greater success with cassava.
“The potential is limitless, and Agbeyewa is committed to leading this transformation. Our business model revolves around cassava cultivation, aggregation, processing, and marketing, while also diversifying into equipment leasing and other value-added services.”
Speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ebenezer Boluwade, commended the Minister for the visit to the state, describing Agbeyewa Farm as a model for Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
He emphasized the government’s commitment to bringing in both private and public sector investments to revolutionise agriculture in Ekiti, especially cassava plantation.
The Commissioner acknowledged the support of the federal government to farmers in the area of fertilisers and seedlings. Boluwade sought more support “so that Ekiti State can be on the map of where agricultural exploits thrive in the country.”
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