FG collaborates with Agbeyewa in Ekiti to strengthen food security.

The Federal Government has announced plans to collaborate with Agbeyewa Farm Ltd to boost agricultural production and enhance food security in Nigeria. During a visit to Agbeyewa Farms in Ipao-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area, on Tuesday, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari emphasized the farm’s crucial role in transforming the agricultural sector. 

Covering 10,000 hectares, the farm is expected to drive food production, create jobs, and alleviate poverty. Kyari praised Agbeyewa’s investment in agriculture and commended its founder, John Olajide, for advancing the industry in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for sustainable food security.  

Kyari acknowledged the logistical challenges faced by farmers in transporting their produce and assured that the government would work to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance productivity. He expressed confidence in Agbeyewa’s expansion plans, highlighting the importance of supporting large-scale agricultural enterprises. “I am thoroughly impressed by the strides they have made in just two years,” he said, adding that his visit would provide insights for policy recommendations to the President.  

Agbeyewa Farms’ Managing Director, Seyi Aiyeleso, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to becoming a leading agro-allied enterprise in Africa. Since its inception in 2022, the company has expanded from cultivating 102 hectares of cassava to 1,500 hectares across multiple locations, with plans to reach 10,000 hectares by 2026. 

Despite early land disputes, Agbeyewa has successfully built strong relationships with host communities. Additionally, the farm is set to open a 26-hectare agro-processing plant to produce cassava-based products such as flour, starch, sorghum, ethanol, and electricity.  

Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ebenezer Boluwade, announced the state’s goal to double cassava production from 2 million to 4 million metric tons by 2026. He called for federal support to position Ekiti as a top agricultural hub in Nigeria and beyond. With government backing and private-sector investment, Agbeyewa Farms is poised to play a key role in driving agricultural innovation and food security in the country.