The Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM) has commended Agbeyewa Farms for its contribution to food security and rural development through its expansive cassava farming project in Ekiti State.
The commendation came during a recent study tour by a team from the College, led by the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Brigadier General J.I.B. Manjang. The visit formed part of the 2025 Exercise Nigeria Study Tour and featured faculty members and 30 senior officers from the Senior Leadership and Staff Officers’ Course (SLSOC) 3/2025.
Brigadier General Manjang, while addressing journalists at the end of the tour, praised the innovation and scale of Agbeyewa’s operations. He said the team was impressed by what they saw on ground.
“Before our visit, we had a limited understanding of what to expect from a cassava farm,” he said. “However, after seeing Agbeyewa’s work firsthand, I can confidently say the farm is on the right track and fully aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to make agriculture attractive, especially to the youth.”
The senior officer noted that farms like Agbeyewa play a key role in promoting national security by creating jobs for both ex-service personnel and civilians, thereby reducing poverty and boosting stability in rural communities.
Welcoming the military delegation, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Seyi Aiyeleso, said the farm was established a little over two years ago with the goal of transforming cassava farming in Nigeria.
He disclosed that Agbeyewa currently cultivates nearly 5,000 hectares of cassava in Ekiti, with a long-term target of 100,000 hectares within ten years. According to him, over 1,000 jobs have already been created across nine local communities, while the farm’s fully mechanised operations are supported by eight bulldozers and 40 tractors.
Mr. Aiyeleso also explained that the farm’s presence has helped to improve security in the surrounding area. “The area where we operate was once plagued by insecurity and kidnappings. Today, thanks to our strategic collaboration with government security agencies, this same region is a thriving hub of agriculture and commerce,” he said.
On his part, Major B.I. Sunday, the directing staff and sponsor of the study, said the visit was designed to expose the officers to real-life examples of public-private collaboration in enhancing national security, especially in states like Ekiti.
The visit ended with a parade by members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) currently posted to Agbeyewa Farms, symbolising the farm’s dedication to youth empowerment and national development.