The Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM) has hailed the pioneering efforts of Agbeyewa Farms in driving food security and rural transformation through its large-scale cassava farm in Ekiti.
The commendation came during an official visit by a delegation of the College led by the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Brigadier General J.I.B. Manjang, as part of the Exercise Nigeria Study Tour 2025. The visit, which brought together officers including faculty members and 30 senior participants of the Senior Leadership and Staff Officers’ Course (SLSOC) 3/2025, formed a critical part of a national study designed to explore the role of public-private partnerships in strengthening national security through a “whole-of-society” approach.
Speaking during the tour, Brigadier General Manjang expressed admiration for the scale, innovation, and impact of Agbeyewa Farms’ operations. “Before our visit, we had a limited understanding of what to expect from a cassava farm,” he said. “However, after seeing Agbeyewa’s work firsthand, I can confidently say the farm is on the right track and fully aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to make agriculture attractive, especially to the youth.”
The General emphasized that such agricultural models not only contribute to food self-sufficiency but also provide viable livelihood opportunities for retired military personnel and civilians alike, reinforcing national security through economic empowerment.
Receiving the delegation, Agbeyewa Farms Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Seyi Aiyeleso, shared insights into the farm’s transformational journey. Founded just over two years ago, Agbeyewa has evolved into Nigeria’s largest cassava farm with a mission to revolutionize cassava farming across the country. Mr. Aiyeleso revealed that the farm currently cultivates nearly 5,000 hectares of cassava in Ekiti State with a 10-year target of 100,000 hectares; Over 1,000 jobs have been created for people across nine local communities, reducing unemployment and boosting rural economies and Agbeyewa’s operations are fully mechanized, supported by the acquisition of 8 bulldozers and 40 tractors;
He further noted that Agbeyewa’s presence has dramatically improved local security in the area. “The area where we operate was once plagued by insecurity and kidnappings. Today, thanks to our strategic collaboration with government security agencies, this same region is a thriving hub of agriculture and commerce.”
The study visit also allowed students to explore the broader role of agriculture in national stability. Major B.I. Sunday, the study sponsor and directing staff, explained that the objective was to expose officers to successful stakeholder collaboration and its relevance in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly in regions like Ekiti State.
The visit concluded with a colorful parade by NYSC corps members currently serving at Agbeyewa Farms, showcasing the farm’s ongoing commitment to youth engagement and national service.
