By Lanre Omotosho
Members of the Ekiti State Caucus in the House of Representatives have commended Cavista Holdings for its significant contributions to agriculture and tourism in the country.
The delegation led by Hon. Femi Bamisile made the commendation during a visit to two of the company’s flagship investments — Agbeyewa Farms and the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center, Ikogosi Ekiti.
Other lawmakers included AVM Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo (rtd), Hon. Olusola Fatoba and Hon. David Kolawole Akinlayo, who expressed deep admiration for the scale, innovation, and impact of the agricultural project, eulogized Agbeyewa as Nigeria’s largest cassava farm for driving food security, youth empowerment, and rural development in the region.
“I used to think I had a farm, but after visiting Agbeyewa, I realized I have a garden,” remarked AVM Rufus Ojuawo.
Hon. Femi Bamisile, who reflected on his time living in the United States, added: “It surprises me that someone can be in his comfort zone in the U.S. and still think of investing in agricultural activity like this in Ekiti. This is more than giving back.”
Hon. David Akinlayo, moved by the transformation he witnessed, pledged further support:
“I’m humbled today, and I’m happy because the Chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, John Olajide, is from my constituency. He has done wonderfully well here, and I’m going to sponsor 100 youths from my constituency for training.”
The visit also included a tour of the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center, which once in a state of disrepair has now reclaimed its place as a premier tourism destination in Nigeria.
“In my recent visits to Ikogosi, I was dazed that the same resort that had almost lost all its natural ambience and beauty has now been turned around by Glocient. Kudos to John Olajide and his team,” AVM Ojuawo stated.
Hon. Olusola Fatoba emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting such private sector-led initiatives:
“We commend our amiable Governor, Mr. Abiodun Oyebanji, for his commitment to driving investment in Ekiti State. We also commend the patriotic zeal of the Chairman of Glocient and Agbeyewa, John Olajide. As members of the National Assembly, we will ensure Agbeyewa receives all the necessary support from relevant government agencies.”
In a response, Mr. Olumide Olayomi, Vice President/Executive Director of Cavista Holdings, said Cavista Holdings remained committed to building companies that create value, generate employment, and contribute to the long-term development of Nigeria.
Similarly, Mr. Seyi Oska Aiyeleso, MD/CEO of Agbeyewa Farms, noted that the company is aimed at transforming the process of cassava cultivation, aggregation, processing, and market integration, driving food security and economic development across the continent.
In a related development, Mr. Lanre Sharafa Balogun, General Manager of Glocient Hospitality, a Cavista subsidiary managing the Ikogosi Resort, said the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort is Africa’s only resort with side-by-side warm and cold springs, surrounded by lush hills, nature trails, and serene landscapes, meant for wellness retreats, conferences, family vacations, and eco-tourism experiences.
Both the visitors and the hosts emphasized that the visit underscored the growing synergy between the public and private sectors in catalyzing socio-economic transformation in Ekiti State.
