Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has charged traditional rulers in the state to continue supporting the activities of private investors and the government by ensuring peace and development of their respective communities. This, he said, would ensure that such investors will be able to thrive and do their business without hindrance.
Addressing a one-day retreat organised by Cavista Holdings at the Ikogosi Warm Springs and Conference Centre, the governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. 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, Oyebanji 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.
Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Mr. Niyi John Olajide emphasised the transformative potential of agricultural investment, affirming the company’s enduring dedication to the state’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, the state would 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.
Delivering the keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Abayomi Fasina elaborated on the vast agribusiness opportunities available to communities, emphasising 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.
On behalf of the monarchs, the Chairman of the the 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 the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye; Majority Leader, Hon. Tolulope Ige; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade; Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utility, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko; and Director General of the state Development and Investment Promotion Agency, Mrs. Lolade Olutola, signaling broad-based support for the agribusiness initiative.
