Agbeyewa Farms: A National Benchmark for Mechanized Agriculture ~NALDA Executive Secretary.
The Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Engr. Cornelius Adebayo, has described Agbeyewa Farms as a national benchmark for mechanized agriculture and public-private collaboration, following an official inspection tour of the farm's operations in Ekiti State.
Engr. Adebayo, accompanied by senior NALDA executives, visited Agbeyewa Farms in Ipao and toured the 1,200-hectare NALDA Farm Estate in the Oke-Ako and Irele communities of Ikole Local Government Area.
Speaking during the tour, Engr. Adebayo said Agbeyewa Farms demonstrates how purposeful collaboration between government and the private sector can transform agriculture into a catalyst for economic growth, food security, and rural development.
"It is exciting to come and see the work at Agbeyewa," he said. "The first time we visited here changed my perspective. I always view foreign farms as an example of what we could do in Nigeria, but when I came to Agbeyewa and saw serious-minded people doing something great, then I made up my mind that we must support."
"Government's responsibility is to create an enabling environment for Agbeyewa Farms to become a pride of Nigeria, a pride of Africa, and a trailblazer around the world," he added. "Congratulations to Agbeyewa. Thank you, and I also congratulate the NALDA staff and management for supporting and making sure we achieve this."
Engr. Adebayo also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership for making the partnership possible. This is why we signed for 5,000 hectares of land with Agbeyewa," he said. "Some people will sign partnerships and not do the work. Thank you, Agbeyewa, for doing the work."
Welcoming the delegation, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Seyi "Oska" Aiyeleso, thanked the Executive Secretary for redefining NALDA's engagement with private-sector agribusinesses through visionary leadership and decisive action.
"When we signed our partnership with NALDA, the Executive Secretary promised that we would see the impact of a new NALDA, and he fulfilled that promise with the supply of bulldozers to aid our land preparation activities," Mr. Aiyeleso said. "Just about a few days ago, they also gave us the mechanization partnership for NALDA, which we are all witnessing today. Agbeyewa, on behalf of the Chairman, Mr. Niyi John Olajide, extends our appreciation to you that you have done so well."
Mr. Aiyeleso noted that since Engr. Adebayo's resumption at NALDA, the impact has been tremendous and said Agbeyewa deeply appreciates him. He reaffirmed the commitment of Cavista Holdings and Agbeyewa Farms to building a world-class, integrated agricultural enterprise that delivers sustainable value for farmers, host communities, and the Nigerian economy, adding that the partnership has moved beyond commitments to measurable results, strengthening Agbeyewa Farms' integrated agricultural model.
Also speaking, the Vice President of Operations at Agbeyewa Farms, Ms. Anthonia Attoh, thanked the Executive Secretary and the NALDA delegation for visiting the farm and witnessing the progress of the partnership firsthand.
"We are proud of what this collaboration has achieved and remain committed to operational excellence, innovation, and responsible partnership," she said. "Together with NALDA, we will continue expanding mechanized agriculture, improving productivity, creating opportunities for our host communities, and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria's food security agenda.
Earlier, the delegation toured the NALDA Agricultural Mechanisation Estates located in the Oke-Ako and Irele communities of Ikole Local Government Area, Ekiti State, where the Executive Secretary inspected the progress of ongoing infrastructure and agricultural development projects.
The flagship initiative, the first of its kind in Ekiti State, is being developed as a model agricultural mechanisation hub and will be equipped with high-capacity tractors, bulldozers, and other modern farming implements.
This estate has officially been handed over to Agbeyewa to manage on behalf of the Federal Government under the auspices of NALDA.
As NALDA's designated Mechanisation Partner and anchor operator under the Agricultural Mechanisation Model and the Renewed Hope Food Security Scheme of President Tinubu led administration, Agbeyewa Farms will lead the implementation of the project. The initiative will commence with the cultivation of 1,200 hectares of farmland, of which more than 600 hectares have already been cleared and prepared for agricultural production.
