By Raheem Akingbolu
“A view from the lenses of an award-winning journalist”
In the quiet heart of Ekiti, where rich soil cradles deep tradition, Agbeyewa Farms is sowing the future of agribusiness. With a sharp lens on economic scalability and a deep-rooted commitment to agricultural renewal, it blends modern business acumen with the soul of rural transformation. This isn’t just a farm; it’s a bold blueprint for how cassava, once a humble staple, can rise as a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and prosperity.
Yesterday, I made an impromptu detour to Agbeyewa Farms headquarters at Ipao-Ekiti, nestled within Ekiti State’s Ikole Local Government. I’ve visited before, but this time was different. I was immersed in a full-throttle business session: The Mid-year performance reports, where departmental heads presented, reviewed, dissected, asked questions, and strategies were being sharpened in real-time.
At the helm was Oska ‘Seyi Ayeleso, Managing Director of the farm. Oska wasn’t just present; he was plugged in. With a background steeped in corporate Nigeria and experience spanning Financial Services, Oil & Gas, and FMCG, he brings seasoned insight to the table. His engagement was surgical—listening intently, probing for clarity, making notes, and steering with the calm precision of one who’s truly in the driver’s seat.
Joining virtually but felt viscerally was Anthonia Attoh, VP of Operations. Her enthusiasm cut through the screen. She applauded the team’s efforts but didn’t shy from reminding them of their greater mission: to disrupt cassava farming in Nigeria and transform Agbeyewa into a sourcing powerhouse for agribusinesses far and wide.
Three hours on site felt less like a casual visit and more like attending a miniature MBA class. The moderator was none other than the renowned first-class agronomist and General Manager, Farm Operations, Babatunde Akinsinde, dishing out the roll calls of leaders to review their operations over the last six months. Presentation after presentation revealed not just passion but precision.
I soaked up lessons in agronomy, farm operations, procurement, strategy, and marketing—and I must say, my brilliant friend Rotimi Wusu’s segment on communications was something else. He didn’t just deliver a presentation; he orchestrated a masterclass in brand storytelling. The standing ovation was richly deserved.
Agbeyewa Farms is no doubt full of talented and smart professionals. They were all carefully selected by the scion of the talent department, Kehinde Fayomi, who made a presentation that truly encapsulated a team of professionals working in the most cultured company in the world.
Then there’s Saturday Idogen—popularly known as The Dean. He is the Senior Manager, Farm Operations. According to his colleagues, he’s the doyen of Agricultural Transformation at Agbeyewa. His presentation on the company’s entire farm operations was poignant. It raises my emotions and desires towards abandoning my journalism career for agronomy. Saturday, I was told, is the chief proponent of the Agbeyewa Agricultural Academy, coming to the table soon.
I super enjoyed the presentation of my friend ADL, popularly called Adl Jinger. He’s the Director of Community Engagement. Unofficially, he’s the brand’s living, breathing, and negotiating ambassador of the Agbeyewa Farms. Fluent in local dialects, trusted by royal fathers, and relentless in his pursuit of new farmland acquisition. ADL shows that versatility isn’t just desirable—it’s essential. Juggling major responsibilities while doubling as the brand’s face across Ekiti, he exemplifies purposeful multitasking.
What stood out the most? The people. Their zeal. Their commitment. Their unmistakable grasp of leadership. At Agbeyewa, cassava isn’t a crop; it’s a calling. And judging by what I witnessed, they’re not just farming—they’re rewriting the playbook.
In all, I saw passion, I saw commitment, and I saw leadership. To the Agbeyewa team, cassava is indeed a serious business. Amidst the rustle of cassava leaves and the quiet hum of a purposeful workforce, Agbeyewa Farms emerges as more than just an agricultural enterprise—it is a crucible where talent, tenacity, and vision are tenderly nurtured.
Here, boardroom strategies meet red earth realities, and every presentation becomes a lesson in leadership. What’s cultivated isn’t merely produce; it’s progress. From the poise of Oska Ayeleso to the passionate reach of Anthonia Attoh and the deft diplomacy of Dauda Lawal, Agbeyewa is a symphony of minds orchestrating a rural renaissance. And if cassava had a heartbeat, it would echo from this corner of Ekiti.