Monarch Calls for More Investment in Agribusiness

Monarch Calls for More Investment in Agribusiness

By Yemi Olakitan

The traditional ruler of Ara Ekiti, Ekiti state, Oba Emanuel Folorunsho Adedara has called for more investment in agri business in the country. He was speaking at the official presentation of the staff of office and the celebration of his 10^th year anniversary in office. According to him, agriculture remained one of the untapped potentials of the Nigerian nation, which successive governments have not fully invested in. He said it was necessary to focus on agriculture since it is one of the nation’s areas of comparative advantage. He vowed to make land available to any group of people or individuals who would like to invest in agriculture in Ara Ekiti.  He called on state, federal and private institutions to embrace agriculture, which he believes holds greater promise for the future generation than oil.

        The Alara of Ara Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti state, said his passion for agriculture stemmed from the fact that Nigerians are suffering in the midst of plenty. ‘‘We have such a rich agricultural endowment in terms of our huge arable land and massive manpower. If we invest in agriculture, we can easily eradicate poverty in the country’’ he said.   Speaking further, he wondered why the nation has so much arable land and hundreds of employable young people and but do not invest heavily in agribusiness. The monarch concluded that Agriculture is the way forward if Nigeria must join the league of industrialised nations. He said his kingdom is willing to give as much as 20,000 hectares of land to anyone willing to invest in Ara Ekiti.

             The 10^th year anniversary and coronation ceremonies took place at Ara Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti state. It was a week- long activity, which was kicked off by the Ara Ekiti youths. The Iwuye ceremony took place on the second day. The unique gathering was used by the Oba to feast and pray for the town as well as his subjects and buttress his commitment to the development of agriculture. Youth empowerment and career talk was held on day three.  Oba Adedara was presented with his official staff of office by the government and people of Ekiti State during the celebrations on the fifth Day, which was the grand finale.