By Jide Akinseye
Agriculture and leadership took centre stage in Ekiti and Ondo States as government officials, traditional rulers, and industry players highlighted the role of investment, innovation, and collaboration in driving economic growth and national development.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has therefore lauded the rise of Agbeyewa Farm as the world’s leading cassava producer, describing it as a major milestone for the state’s agricultural sector.
Speaking at the 3rd Annual Agbeyewa Traditional Rulers Retreat held at Ikogosi Warm Springs, the governor said Ekiti’s sustained investment in agriculture over the past three years has driven significant growth, with Agbeyewa Farm emerging as the sector’s largest investor.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, Oyebanji attributed the state’s rapid economic expansion to ongoing infrastructure development, noting that Ekiti’s Gross Domestic Product rose from ₦2.6 trillion in 2023 to ₦4.6 trillion.
Also speaking at the event, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, called on traditional rulers to actively support investors by facilitating access to land and creating an enabling environment for business growth. He cautioned against practices that discourage investment, stressing that monarchs must partner with private sector players to unlock development.
The monarch further urged the Federal Government to study and replicate Agbeyewa’s agricultural and industrial model across other parts of the country, particularly in regions facing insecurity, as a pathway to economic stability and job creation.
In his remarks, Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Mr Niyi Olajide, encouraged cassava farmers, including smallholder producers, to supply their harvests to Agbeyewa Farm to reduce post-harvest losses and boost value chain efficiency.
Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has emphasised the need for future leaders to combine traditional leadership skills with technological competence, especially in the era of artificial intelligence.
Delivering a lecture at the Foundation Day of Federal University of Technology Akure, Aiyedatiwa stated that Nigeria’s economic and technological progress would depend on the quality of leadership and the strength of its educational institutions. He noted that while technology continues to evolve, leadership remains the key determinant of societal direction.
The governor also commended FUTA for its track record of producing resilient and globally competitive graduates, urging the institution to sustain its focus on innovation-driven education that supports national development.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, described FUTA as a dynamic academic environment that integrates technology with the humanities to meet societal needs, noting that digital innovation has become an essential tool for effective leadership in today’s world.
