The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, recently embarked on a two-day tour of Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Agbeyewa Farms in Ekiti State, lauding the establishments for their remarkable contribution to the state’s economic prosperity. The monarch emphasized the crucial role these ventures play in spearheading rural development, stimulating economic growth, and creating employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. His visit served as a platform to recognize the transformative impact of private sector investments in bolstering local economies and fostering sustainable development.
At the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, the Ooni expressed his admiration for the facility’s world-class amenities and its captivating blend of natural beauty and sophisticated hospitality. He described the resort as a globally unique attraction, highlighting features such as the presidential villa, meticulously manicured landscapes, and vibrant gardens that showcase the splendor of Ekiti State. The Ooni’s visit underscored the resort’s potential to attract both domestic and international tourists, thereby contributing significantly to the state’s tourism sector and overall economic growth. His commendation reinforces the importance of investing in top-tier hospitality infrastructure to elevate a region’s tourism profile and generate economic benefits.
Turning his attention to Agbeyewa Farms, the Ooni toured expansive cassava plantations located in the Ipao, Gede, and Iyemero communities, witnessing firsthand the scale and potential of the agricultural enterprise. He visited the proposed site for Agbeyewa processing plants in Itapaji, where he offered prayers and blessings, emphasizing the project’s transformative potential. The Ooni underscored the significance of agricultural processing in adding value to raw agricultural produce, increasing profitability for farmers, and generating employment across the agricultural value chain. This focus on processing highlights the importance of moving beyond primary production to embrace value-added agricultural activities for greater economic impact.
The Ooni commended John and Niran Olajide, Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of Cavista Holdings Limited respectively, for their visionary leadership and substantial investments in agriculture and hospitality within Ekiti State. He praised their commitment to driving sustainable development and creating job opportunities, especially for the youth, thus contributing to poverty reduction and economic empowerment within rural communities. The monarch’s acknowledgement of their efforts serves as an example of how private sector engagement can drive positive change and contribute to broader societal development goals.
Furthermore, the Ooni expressed gratitude to the Ekiti State Government for its unwavering support in promoting agricultural innovations, particularly in cassava farming. He recognized the importance of public-private partnerships in driving agricultural development and acknowledged the government’s role in creating an enabling environment for agricultural investments to thrive. This collaboration between government and private entities signifies a crucial element in fostering sustainable agricultural practices and achieving long-term food security.
The Ooni’s visit, accompanied by several prominent traditional rulers including the Olu of Itapaji, Oba Kareem Adebanjo; the Obanla of Ipao Ekiti, Oba Williams Ehinmodupin; and the Alaaye of Oke Ayedun, Oba Olufemi Aribisala, underscores the importance of traditional leadership in championing economic development initiatives. Their presence signifies the collaborative effort between traditional institutions and modern development projects, illustrating the importance of cultural relevance in economic progress and social transformation. The tour serves as a testament to the potential of public-private partnerships, combined with the support of traditional leadership, in driving sustainable development and transforming rural communities.
