In a landmark move aimed at advancing agricultural development, the government of Ekiti State has inked a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cavista Holdings, a prominent Nigerian investment company for the establishment of a cutting-edge cassava farm covering 100,000 hectares within the state.
The agreement, valued at billions of naira, was formalized during the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, United States, where Governor Oyebanji and Cavista Holdings’ Chairman, Niyi John Olajide, put pen to paper.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of key officials, including the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Commissioner for Finance, and Commissioner for Budget, Planning and Performance Management. On the Cavista side, the company’s Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer, Legal Director, a member of the Board of Directors, and senior management staff graced the occasion.
Among the distinguished guests were the President of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), who also serves as the Vice Chairman of Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), and the Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company, alongside other key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
Governor Oyebanji articulated the state government’s vision for agricultural advancement, stressing the crucial role of strategic partnerships in driving progress.
He reaffirmed Ekiti State’s unwavering commitment to fostering an enabling environment for investment and urged potential investors to explore the abundant opportunities available in sectors such as tourism, mining, and the burgeoning Ekiti Knowledge Zone and Special Agriculture Processing Zone.
Furthermore, the governor hailed the MOU as a testament to his administration’s dedication to continuing the programs initiated by the previous administration, as outlined in the state’s comprehensive 30-year development plan. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Ekiti State’s journey towards sustainable agricultural transformation and economic growth.