Cavista Holdings Convenes Multi-Stakeholder Workshop to Drive Cassava Industrialization in Nigeria.

Cavista Holdings Convenes Multi-Stakeholder Workshop to Drive Cassava Industrialization in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s cassava industry is poised for transformation following a strategic workshop organized by Cavista Holdings. The event, held just a day after Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari’s visit to Agbeyewa Farms, brought together key government agencies, financial institutions, agribusiness leaders, and development organizations to address challenges and opportunities in the cassava value chain.

Workshop Objective:

The workshop aimed to identify bottlenecks in cassava production, financing, and processing while exploring practical solutions to enhance farmer productivity, industrial-scale processing, and market expansion. Stakeholders engaged in in-depth discussions on agricultural financing, mechanization, logistics efficiency, and value addition, all geared toward positioning Nigeria as a leader in cassava processing.

Key Participants and Stakeholders:

The event saw participation from the Nigeria Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator (NCIA) led by Lagos Business School (LBS) and Cavista Holdings, among others. The Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Governor, Niyi Adebayo, represented the state government and highlighted ongoing initiatives to boost cassava production and agribusiness development.

Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria’s Cassava Industry:

Nigeria is the largest cassava producer globally, with 14 million smallholder farmers cultivating the crop. However, processing remains the sector’s biggest constraint, with only 10 percent of cassava production transformed into value-added derivatives such as starch, bioethanol, and high-quality cassava flour (HQCF).

Prof. Doyin Salami of Lagos Business School emphasized that farmer aggregation is critical to unlocking financing and improving productivity. By organizing smallholder farmers into structured groups, access to credit, mechanization, and technical support can be significantly improved.

Investment and Industrialization Roadmap:

The Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator (NCIA) outlined a strategic roadmap to drive investment into cassava processing, aiming to mobilize $300 million to unlock $1 billion in value. Key investment areas include:

• Sweetener Processing Expansion – $500 million

• High-Quality Cassava Flour Optimization – $100 million

• Cassava Bioethanol Integration – $420 million

Stakeholders agreed that these investments must be supported by financing, policy incentives, and market linkages to enhance cassava processing capacity and competitiveness.

Nigeria Agricultural Development Fund’s Role in Financing Cassava Industrialization:

The Nigeria Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) is playing a crucial role in addressing the financing challenges within the cassava industry. As a key stakeholder in the workshop, NADF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting five million farmers through private-sector partnerships aimed at increasing access to mechanization, improved inputs, and capital.

Nasir Ingawa, Head of Partnerships at NADF, emphasized that limited access to financing remains one of the biggest barriers to productivity and industrial-scale processing. To bridge this gap, NADF is working to develop tailored financing solutions that will enable smallholder farmers and agribusinesses to scale operations, adopt modern agricultural practices, and integrate into larger value chains. By facilitating access to funding, NADF aims to drive sustainable growth, enhance food security, and unlock Nigeria’s cassava processing potential.

Ekiti State Government’s Commitment to Agricultural Development:

Ekiti State’s Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo, outlined the government’s land-clearing initiative, which has opened 5,000 hectares for young farmers. Additionally, the state has introduced mechanization and agribusiness programs for over 3,000 youth, aligning with national goals to increase agricultural productivity and employment.

Private Sector Role in Scaling Industrialization:

Agbeyewa Farms, leading agro-allied company and home to Nigeria’s largest cassava plantation is actively driving innovation within the country’s cassava industry. With a focus on agricultural mechanization, value chain development, and rural enterprise growth, the company is leveraging data-driven insights to enhance its outgrower engagement and logistics efficiency. However, stakeholders emphasized that achieving large-scale cassava industrialization requires broader private-sector collaboration. Expanding processing infrastructure, strengthening supply chain networks, and improving access to financing will be critical to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s cassava sector.

Workshop Outcomes and Next Steps:

The workshop concluded with a commitment to concrete action plans across four key areas:

1. Strengthening Farmer Aggregation – Developing structured outgrower models to increase financing access, mechanization adoption, and productivity.

2. Scaling Up Processing Infrastructure – Mobilizing investment for industrial-scale processing plants to expand cassava’s value-added potential.

3. Improving Logistics and Market Access – Addressing inefficiencies in storage and transportation to reduce post-harvest losses.

4. Policy and Investment Facilitation – Engaging policymakers and financial institutions to create an enabling environment for cassava industrialization.

In Conclusion:

The Cavista Holdings-led workshop has set a clear path forward for transforming Nigeria’s cassava industry. By fostering collaboration between government agencies, financial institutions, agribusinesses, and development organizations, the workshop has laid the groundwork for scaling up financing, improving processing capacity, and increasing global competitiveness.

With continued investment and policy support, Nigeria is well-positioned to become a leader in cassava processing, unlocking billions in economic value, creating jobs, and strengthening food security.

Air Peace Dismisses Report of CEO Stranded at Ekiti Airport.

Air Peace Dismisses Report of CEO Stranded at Ekiti Airport.

Air Peace Denies CEO Stranded at Ekiti Airport, Blames Poor Weather for Delay

Air Peace Limited has dismissed reports claiming its Chairman/CEO, Allen Onyema, was stranded for over 24 hours at the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport due to the lack of navigational aids.

In a statement by Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications, the airline described the reports—published by Sahara Reporters and some online platforms—as false, misleading, and aimed at tarnishing the company's image.

The airline clarified that Onyema’s flight delay was a result of poor weather conditions, not inadequacies at the airport.

“The aircraft scheduled to pick up Dr. Onyema and his team on Saturday evening could not land in Ekiti due to poor weather conditions (heavy rain). As a standard safety precaution, the flight was rerouted back to Lagos. This is a routine occurrence in global aviation and not a reflection of any inadequacy on the part of the airport,” the statement read.

Air Peace also refuted claims that its pilot executed a risky manoeuvre to leave Ekiti, describing the assertion as irresponsible and a false implication of safety protocol violations.

The airline criticised Sahara Reporters for allegedly ignoring accurate information provided before publishing the story.

“It is disappointing that Sahara Reporters chose to push a sensational and misleading narrative despite having been provided with the accurate sequence of events. This reckless journalism not only misinforms the public but also attempts to tarnish the reputation of Nigeria’s leading airline,” the statement added.

Air Peace reaffirmed its dedication to international aviation safety standards, stating that safety remains a fundamental priority across its operations.

The airline urged the public to disregard the report, pledging continued safe, reliable, and efficient air travel services across Nigeria and beyond.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, Visits Agbeyewa Farms to Boost Agricultural Development and Food Security.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, Visits Agbeyewa Farms to Boost Agricultural Development and Food Security.

In a significant move to drive agricultural development, food security, and economic growth, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, led a federal government delegation to Agbeyewa Farms in Ipao-Ekiti, Ekiti State. This epoch visit was as a result of the invitation extended to the Honorable Minister by the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, John Olajide, to visit Agbeyewa Farms, one of the subsidiary Holdings of Cavista.

The Minister was received at the Ekiti Agroallied International Airport by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, who represented Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, alongside Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Information, alongside a powerful delegation from Cavista Holding led by its Director of Business Strategy, Kabir Shagaya. After the airport reception, the Minister and his entourage drove to Agbeyewa Farms at Ipao Ekiti, where he was received by the Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms, Oska Ayeleso.

This epoch visit was informed by President Bola Tinubu administration's determination to galvanize the private sector towards Agricultural Revolution and economic prosperity, in Agbeyewa has been found as one of the aligning partners.

Agbeyewa Farms, a leader in innovative agricultural practices, showcased its extensive cassava farm field to the Minister and his team, highlighting advanced farming techniques that integrate technology and sustainability. These practices not only enhance productivity and high-yield cassava production in the farm but also contribute significantly to local economies by creating jobs and empowering communities. With over 1,500 hectares of cassava farm fields cultivated in the last two years, Agbeyewa Farms has become the largest cassava farm in Nigeria today.

During the engagement, Minister Kyari engaged with key team members at Agbeyewa Farms, expressing keen interest in the farm's ambitious initiatives. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and private enterprises in fostering agricultural growth, particularly in light of Nigeria's diverse agricultural potential. The Minister's visit underscores the federal government's interest in supporting innovative agricultural projects like Agbeyewa Farms, which align with its goals of promoting food security, economic growth, and sustainable development.

As the Minister and his team explore opportunities for collaboration, it's clear that Agbeyewa Farms is poised to play a significant role in Nigeria's agricultural transformation. The visit also highlighted the critical role of public-private partnerships in advancing the sector and addressing pressing issues such as food security and job creation. Agbeyewa Farms remains steadfast in its mission to leverage innovative practices and sustainable methods to revolutionize the agricultural sector, ensuring long-term benefits for both farmers and communities.

The Minister's visit is timely, considering the federal government's renewed focus on agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and food security. As outlined in the Minister's speech at the event, briefing that the government's priorities include Food Security, Economic Growth and Job Creation, Poverty Eradication, and Inclusivity (Youths and Women). According to the Minister, the government aims to achieve these goals through various initiatives, including partnerships with serious investors like John Olajide and its Agbeyewa Farms.

"As the agricultural landscape in Nigeria evolves today, Agbeyewa Farms is anticipated to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, job creation, and contributing to national food security," the Minister said.

Also, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security in Ekiti, Ebenezer Boluwade, said the coming of the Minister is a boost to the Public - Private Partnership arrangement between the State and Agbeyewa Farms, and this align with the agenda of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji Administration to create job opportunities through innovative agricultural practices and guarantees food security.

The Managing Director and CEO of Agbeyewa Farms, Oska Ayeleso, thanked the Minister and his his powerful delegation, saying that: The collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is expected to foster continued advancements in agricultural practices and positioning Agbeyewa Farms as a leader in the cassava revolution across the country and on the African continent. 

"Agbeyewa Farms expresses gratitude for Minister Kyari's visit and support, looking forward to a fruitful partnership that aims to shape the future of agriculture in Nigeria and in Africa at large.  This will be made possible as we will strive to increase our cassava cultivation to 5,000 hectares at the end of the 2025 planting season," Ayeleso said.

ADL

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES AIYEDATIWA ON INAUGURATION AS ONDO GOVERNOR.

OYEBANJI CONGRATULATES AIYEDATIWA ON INAUGURATION AS ONDO GOVERNOR.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has congratulated Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his inauguration as Governor of the State today, February 24, 2025.

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described Aiyedatiwa’s emergence In a free and fair election and subsequent inauguration as Governor,  as an evidence that democracy has taken a firm root in the sunshine state. 

While wishing the Ondo State Governor a successful tenure that is characterized by outstanding achievements, Oyebanji urged him to extend olive hands to those who contested the governorship seat with him as well as other critical stakeholders and get their input into the government. 

Governor Oyebanji also congratulated the good people of Ondo State, the national and state leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the milestone. 

He urged the people of Ondo State to give maximum support to  the new administration so it can record huge success in every aspect of governance. 

“The Government and good people of Ekiti State heartily felicitate His Excellency Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on this historic inauguration and wish him a successful tenure marked by remarkably outstanding achievements. We also congratulate the good people of the sunshine state on this auspicious occasion and pray that the new administration will usher in a much greater level of development to the state.”, the statement added.

Former Students of Professor Abayomi Fasina Congratulate Him on the Successful 9th Convocation of FUOYE.

Former Students of Professor Abayomi Fasina Congratulate Him on the Successful 9th Convocation of FUOYE.

Former students of Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, who had the privilege of being taught by him at Ekiti State University, have united to extend their heartfelt congratulations on the tremendous success of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) 9th Convocation.

In a collective statement signed by their newly elected Chairman, Blessing Oluwaseun Adejoro, and Assistant Secretary, Abdulateef Yusuf, on behalf of over 300 fellow members, the alumni expressed immense pride in Professor Fasina’s achievements since he took office as Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE. They commended the university for celebrating the graduation of over 8,444 students during this momentous week-long event, which featured various initiatives, including project commissioning, free healthcare services, staff awards, and an endowment fundraising drive.

The ex-students were particularly delighted to congratulate two of their members: Adesoji Gabriel, who earned a master’s degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture, and Ajayi Samuel Ojo, who received his PhD in Soil Sciences and Land Resources, both from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences. They highlighted that these achievements reflect the high academic standards and mentorship provided by Professor Fasina during his tenure at Ekiti State University.

“The success of this convocation is a testament to Professor Fasina’s exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to academic excellence,” stated Chairman Adejoro. “His dedication to fostering a culture of peace and stability, along with his significant efforts in securing accreditation for various programs, has notably elevated FUOYE’s status as a leading institution of higher learning in Nigeria.”

The alumni underscored the strategic initiatives undertaken by Professor Fasina to expand academic offerings, including new programs in Medicine and Surgery, Data Science and Analytics, and various postgraduate disciplines. They believe these developments are essential for equipping graduates with the skills needed to excel in an increasingly competitive job market.

Furthermore, the group recognized the substantial investments in infrastructure, including new lecture halls, state-of-the-art laboratories, and improved accommodation facilities across the Oye and Ikole campuses, all which contribute to a more conducive learning environment.

The former students also celebrated ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing staff welfare and promoting academic research, which have further solidified the university’s global standing. They praised Professor Fasina’s impressive record of fostering international collaborations and securing prestigious research grants.

“As proud former students of Professor Fasina, we are committed to supporting his vision for FUOYE,” stated Assistant Secretary Yusuf. “His achievements have justified the confidence reposed in him, and we believe he is well-equipped to steer FUOYE toward even greater accomplishments.”

In conclusion, the alumni reaffirm their commitment to supporting Professor Fasina’s leadership and urge the entire university community to unite behind his mission to enhance FUOYE’s impact on both national and global academic landscapes.

E-Signed

Adejoro Blessing Oluwaseun 

Chairman, 

Prof. Fashina's Ex-Student Group Fashina's Ex-Student Group 

E-Signed

Abdulateef Yusuf

Ass. Secretary,

Prof. Fashina's Ex-Student Group

Ojuawo Congratulates Gov Oyebanji on the New Federal University.

Ojuawo Congratulates Gov Oyebanji on the New Federal University.

The cheering news of the estblishment of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State, as assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has further upheld our love for education as a fountain of knowledge.

Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, the honorable member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, has congratulated His Excellency Abiodun Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti, and Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele on the establishment of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Science, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State.

In his congratulatory message, Ojuawo said the new university will further affirm Ekiti as a human resource capital and fountain of knowledge. "I received the news of the President's assent to establish the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Science, Iyin Ekiti, with enthusiasm, especially at this period of our development. I congratulate our dear Governor, His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji, on his continuous success in all ramifications and every index of growth and development, which this new university has added to. It's a welcome development.

"I also specially thank Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who worked assiduously to make this a reality. His spirited effort deserves gratitude, and his leadership is beneficial to our dear state, adding to expansion in population, economic growth, and infrastructural value. I thank you and commend your value-added efforts."

Hon. Ojuawo also implored potential tertiary students to take advantage of the establishment of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Science to take courses that would help address climate change issues affecting the world globally. By doing so, they can become solutions to their immediate environment and the world at large.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM.

Air Peace Boss, Onyema hails Ekiti Airport as one of world’s best.

Air Peace Boss, Onyema hails Ekiti Airport as one of world’s best.

The Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited, Dr Allen Onyema, has lauded the state-of-the-art facilities and operational efficiency of the Ekiti State Agro Allied International Cargo Airport, describing it as one of the best in the world.

Dr Onyema, who landed at the airport on Saturday at about 10am in a Boeng 737, (120 capacity) aircraft, commended the airport’s apron, runway, and terminal building, describing them as “highly functional and aesthetically pleasing”.

Speaking with journalists shortly after landing at the airport, the Air Peace Boss noted that the facility’s readiness for international and domestic flights positions it as a critical infrastructure for the economic and social development of the state and the country at large.

 Emphasizing the potentials of the airport, which according to him makes it a strong contender for major aviation activities in Nigeria, Dr Onyema said it is equipped to accommodate even larger aircraft such as Boeing 777.

While assuring the state of his readiness to partner with the airport as soon as it  commences commercial operations, Dr Onyeama expressed optimism that the airport would soon serve as a hub for pilgrims and travelers in the country.

“This is the first time Boeing 737 will be coming to this airport and as an Aviator, I can tell you categorically that this is one of the best airports in the world, we should stop neglecting our own.

“When I say one of the best in the world, I mean it because coming in, the pilot was communicating with me and l’m reporting what the pilot said: that this is one of the best runway he has ever seen. So,  Boeing 777 can even land in this airport, it is just a matter of time and am sure in no time Ekiti pilgrims might start flying from here because the airport can take Boeing 777”.

“It is a beautiful airport, highly equipped, beautiful and very solid apron, solid runways, nice terminal, and what else can we ask for” Dr Onyema added. 

In his own remarks, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Airport Project, AVM Sunday Makinde (rtd) said the seamless landing of a Boeing 737 is a clear testament to the airport’s readiness for full commercial operation, adding  that the milestone demonstrates the airport’s capacity to handle large aircraft and deliver seamless aviation services.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, described the airport project as a transformative project for the state. He said the landing of the Boeing 737 at the airport is a testament to the determination of the state government under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, to enhancing infrastructure development for economic growth and connectivity.