Venite University VC Urges Ekiti Monarchs to Back Agbeyewa’s Agricultural Initiative

The Vice-Chancellor of Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Professor Charity Onye Aremu, has called on traditional rulers in Ekiti State to support the expansion of Agbeyewa’s agricultural initiative as part of efforts to drive economic transformation in Nigeria.

She made this appeal on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the 3rd Annual Agbeyewa Traditional Rulers Retreat held at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center.

Speaking at the event, Professor Aremu highlighted that Agbeyewa’s core mission is to build healthy and thriving communities through sustainable agro-allied investments, stressing that collaboration is vital for meaningful transformation.

She emphasised the need for a mindset shift, noting that “perspective defines what you see,” and that such change is essential to move from mere production to value addition, where farm produce becomes finished products of greater economic value.

Describing Agbeyewa as a leading Agripreneurial initiative, she said its products should be in every household in Ekiti State, achievable with the support of traditional rulers who are key to grassroots mobilisation. She also stressed increased food production, citing John Dewey that “food brings happiness,” and added that Agbeyewa aims to restore prosperity and well-being among Nigerians, starting from Ekiti State.

Professor Aremu further charged that individuals and communities have “two choices” ; to accept unfavourable conditions or take responsibility to create positive change, commending Agbeyewa for choosing transformation.

Also speaking at the event, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Royal Father of the Day, praised Agbeyewa and its Chairman, Niyi John Olajide, noting that Olajide has established over 500 companies in the United States and is replicating similar success in Nigeria.

The monarch described Agbeyewa as the largest cassava farm in the world and Nigeria’s biggest cassava farm reserve, highlighting its potential to boost food security and employment.

In her concluding remarks, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated that combating poverty requires agricultural entrepreneurship, urging agripreneurs to act as intermediaries between corporate organisations and rural farmers through corporate social responsibility in collaboration with traditional rulers and community leaders.

The retreat brought together key stakeholders in agriculture, academics, and traditional institutions, reinforcing the role of partnership in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.