Ekiti residents to benefit as Agbeyewa, monarchs expand agriculture jobs

Agbeyewa Farms has strengthened its collaboration with traditional rulers in Ekiti State, placing job creation and community livelihoods at the centre of its agricultural expansion strategy.

The partnership was reinforced at the third annual Agbeyewa Traditional Rulers Retreat, where stakeholders discussed how to connect more rural residents to structured employment through farming, processing, and value chain activities. The meeting focused on turning agriculture into a reliable source of income, especially for youths and smallholder farmers.

Chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, Niyi John-Olajide, praised traditional rulers for their continued support, noting that their leadership plays a key role in mobilising communities and creating trust around large-scale agricultural projects. He explained that the company’s model is designed to deliver shared economic value, ensuring that host communities benefit directly through jobs and income opportunities.

According to him, ongoing expansion efforts, including the acquisition of Matna Foods, are aimed at strengthening the cassava value chain and guaranteeing a stable market for farmers. This, he said, reduces uncertainty for producers while encouraging more people to participate in agriculture as a viable means of livelihood.

He further noted that the introduction of modern farming technologies could significantly boost productivity, with cassava yields expected to rise from six tonnes per hectare to as much as 30 tonnes. The increase, he added, would translate into higher earnings for farmers and create additional roles across processing and logistics.

Speaking at the event, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, called for stronger collaboration between government, traditional institutions, and private investors. He stressed that large-scale agriculture can help reduce insecurity by creating meaningful work for young people.

Chairman of the Ekiti State Traditional Council, Oba Samuel Adu Adejimi Alagbado, urged traditional rulers to mobilise farmers to expand cassava cultivation, assuring them of a ready market while encouraging discipline among workers.

Representing Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Chief of Staff Oyeniyi Adebayo reaffirmed the state’s commitment to positioning Ekiti as a leading cassava hub, with a clear focus on jobs, productivity, and inclusive growth.