The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has stated that the federal government was ready to collaborate with the Ekiti State Government and the largest Private food producer in the state, Agbeyewa farm, in a bid to promote wealth creation and improve livelihoods.

The minister pointed out that the federal  government has no option than to collaborate with the Ekiti Government and Agbeyewa farm since their food production and wealth creation initiatives aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for sustained food security. 

Kyari, who stated this in a interview with journalists, when he visited the 10,000-hectare of the Agbeyewa Farms Ltd, located in Ipao-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of the state on Monday commended the founder of Agbeyewa Farms Ltd, John Olajide, for establishment of such large food production and wealth creation farm in the state.

“I have seen similar facilities elsewhere, but this is what it truly means to advance food security and agro-allied industries. This is not just about food production and processing; it is also about facilitating access to markets where these products can generate income.  “This is a fantastic idea, and I congratulate the Ekiti State Government for achieving such a remarkable feat.  We will do everything necessary to partner you, and we encourage others to emulate what you have accomplished,” Kyari added. 

While pledging to strengthen its collaboration with the Government of Ekiti in bid to boosting agricultural productivity and enhance food security, the minister added that the move would help realise Tinubu’s goal of ensuring food accessibility for all Nigerians. 

Kyari, however, acknowledged that farmers often face difficulties in moving their produce to markets, assuring that the government would address this challenge to enhance the productivity of such investments.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, revealed that the state government aimed to double cassava production from the current 2,000,000 metric tons to 4,000,000 metric tons by 2026. 

He emphasised government’s commitment to bringing in both private and public sector investments to revolutionise agriculture in the state.

Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms Ltd, Seyi Aiyeleso, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to becoming Africa’s leading agro-allied enterprise while fostering sustainable agricultural investments and community empowerment. 

Aiyeleso who commended the Minister for the visit, noting also that, it would unlock more potential while impacting more lives through the Agbeyewa innovations in cassava farming.