The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has stated that Nigeria has no reason to be a poor nation, emphasizing the country’s untapped potential in agriculture.
Speaking during a visit to Agbeyewa Farms in Ekiti North, the monarch highlighted the transformative power of mechanized cassava farming in boosting food security and economic growth.
“Agbeyewa Farms has established itself as the largest cassava producer in Nigeria. There is absolutely no reason why we should be a poor nation,” the Ooni remarked after touring the farm’s 20,000-hectare mechanized cassava plantation, which spans five communities, including Ipao and Itapaji.
The initiative, which converts a once insecure area into a thriving agricultural hub, aims to attract foreign investment, generate jobs, and redefine Nigeria’s agricultural narrative. “This project is about rewriting the story of a community once defined by fear and insecurity,” the Ooni said.
Praising Agbeyewa Farms for achieving yields exceeding 30 tons per hectare—far above the national average of 4 to 6 tons—he commended the management’s innovative practices, including the cultivation of drought-resistant cassava varieties.
The monarch also called for modern farming methods, echoing President Bola Tinubu’s stance on mechanized agriculture. “We cannot continue to farm with outdated methods. Innovation is not just an option—it’s a necessity,” he said.
Addressing the broader agricultural challenges, the Ooni underscored the need for urgent action to resolve security issues that deter farmers. “Our nation depends on us facing these challenges. The current administration is making progress, but we must unite and take this matter more seriously to secure a brighter future for agriculture and for Nigeria as a whole,” he concluded.
