The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called on governments at all levels to place greater emphasis on agriculture, describing food security as a critical foundation for Nigeria’s economic growth and long-term stability.
The monarch made the appeal on Monday during the 2026 New Yam Festival held at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where he described agriculture as indispensable to national development and stressed that sustainable prosperity cannot be achieved without adequate food production.
He urged governments to strengthen support for farmers through deliberate investments and policies that promote agricultural development nationwide.
His words: Food security should remain a national priority. Every government must deliberately support our farmers because they remain the backbone of our economy and the custodians of our collective survival.
“Nigeria is richly blessed with fertile land and hardworking people. What we need is the right commitment to agricultural development. We must continue to encourage our farmers, improve agricultural value chains and ensure that farming becomes profitable for both small and commercial-scale producers.”
In a statement issued by the monarch’s spokesman, Sodiq Lawal, freshly harvested yams were presented to the Ooni for prayers and blessings in keeping with long-standing tradition before roasted yams were shared with guests and dignitaries.
The statement added that hundreds of yams and other agricultural produce were distributed to participants, symbolising abundance, generosity and shared prosperity.
The Ooni said the New Yam Festival remains one of the oldest cultural celebrations in Yorubaland, serving as an expression of gratitude to God for a successful harvest while recognising the vital role farmers play in sustaining society.
Our cultural heritage must continue to complement economic development. The New Yam Festival is not merely a celebration of harvest; it is a reminder that agriculture remains central to our prosperity, food security and national stability,” the monarch said.
Activities at the festival included colourful cultural performances, traditional rites, thanksgiving for the farming season and prayers for increased agricultural yields in the coming year.
The traditional ruler also emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous festivals, noting that they strengthen Yoruba cultural identity while promoting tourism, economic activities and community cohesion.
