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EKITI, Nigeria - Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, alongside the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has urged traditional rulers in Ekiti State to lend their support to investors and individuals dedicated to the state's development.
The two leaders made this appeal in light of reports regarding the unwelcoming attitudes of some monarchs towards investors in their territories.
They emphasized the vital role traditional institutions play in community development, asserting the need for these rulers to be supportive and accommodating of investment opportunities within their regions.
Their statements came during the second edition of a retreat for traditional rulers, organized by Cavista holdings and Agbeyewa farms, which took place at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center in Ekogosi-Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area.
The retreat, themed ‘Unlocking Ekiti’s Potential: The Role of Traditional Rulers in Attracting Investments,’ saw participation from traditional rulers across the state.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo, the governor highlighted the significance of this retreat for fostering collaboration between the government, traditional institutions, and investors to promote progress and economic growth.
Oyebanji remarked, “Investors require peace within the communities they engage in. It falls on the traditional rulers to ensure this peace, welcoming investors warmly, collaborating with them, and facilitating the success of their ventures.
Occasionally, dissenting voices might arise in these communities; thus, it is the monarchs' responsibility to address these concerns. Investors seek a return on their investments, which is achievable only when the community works hand in hand with them.”
In recognition of the positive impact of the substantial investments by John Olajide, chairman of Cavista holdings, particularly through Agbeyewa farms, Ooni emphasized that such investments will contribute, even if marginally, to the state's economy by creating job opportunities for the youth, among other benefits.
“The involvement of traditional rulers in community development is crucial. I urge our traditional rulers to back the investors and their businesses, as it is through these enterprises that we can facilitate positive change and economic growth, especially in generating job opportunities for our people.”
He also encouraged conscientious individuals and private entities from the diaspora to model Olajide’s commitment and interest in contributing to their homeland's development by returning to invest and create value for the community.
“My message is simple: seeing is believing. They should return home. It’s time to move beyond blame. Rather than lamenting about Nigeria’s situation, they should engage in leadership roles. You don’t have to be a politician; you can lead in the business domain, akin to John Olajide from Agbeyewa Farm.
“We need more individuals like him, and many such people are spread throughout the world. I urge them to come home, as they are pivotal to our nation's development. Countries like the USA, India, and China saw their citizens return to foster their development.”
Meanwhile, CEO of Cavista, John Olajide, noted that this second edition of the retreat aimed to enhance collaboration with the traditional institutions for more effective engagement and investment in the state.
He elaborated on his primary goal of investing in Ekiti to rejuvenate the economy through significant job creation for youth, stating that Agbeyewa farms has quickly become the largest cassava farm in Nigeria within just three years.
