The Director-General of the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), Lolade Oke-Olutola, has praised Agbeyewa Farms for its strong contribution to the economic growth of Ekiti State.
During an official visit to the farm in Ipao, Ikole-Ekiti, Oke-Olutola commended the massive strides made by the farm, describing the initiative as impressive and impactful. She called on host communities to support such investments, saying, “The wellness of investors’ businesses is the wellness of Ekiti State.”
The visit, according to her, was part of EKDIPA’s Aftercare Advocacy Service to monitor and support existing investments across the state. She highlighted the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as investment-friendly and committed to creating a thriving business environment.
“We have heard so much about Agbeyewa Farms, but seeing it for ourselves has shown that the work being done here is remarkable. The cultivation of over 1,000 hectares of cassava within a short time shows clear purpose and planning,” she said.
She also assured the farm of the agency’s readiness to assist in easing business operations. “Money goes to where it is attracted. Investment goes to where it is attracted. EKDIPA is here to provide that enabling ground,” she added.
In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of Agbeyewa Farms, Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, described the farm’s activities as a revolution aimed at ending hunger and poverty through job creation and sustainable agricultural practices.
He said the farm, founded by Niyi John Olajide, is on a mission to cultivate 5,000 hectares of cassava by 2025, with the goal of becoming Africa’s largest cassava farm.
“We are focused on building an integrated agro-processing plant to produce high-quality cassava derivatives like flour, starch, and ethanol,” he noted, adding that Agbeyewa’s cassava contains 27% starch content, above the national average of 22%.
Aiyeleso cited global models like Omnicane in Mauritius as inspiration, stating that Agbeyewa’s vision includes energy generation, agro-processing, and industrial-scale farming.
Agbeyewa Farms has already gained national recognition, being selected by the Federal Government as a cassava revolution hub in Nigeria.
The company’s business strategy revolves around cassava cultivation, aggregation, processing, and agro-trading, with a clear focus on sustainability and rural empowerment.
During the visit, EKDIPA officials toured the expansive farm, viewing modern equipment and cassava fields. The team expressed satisfaction with the scale and innovation driving Agbeyewa’s operations.