By Abbas Nazil
Members of the Ekiti State Caucus in Nigeria’s House of Representatives have praised Cavista Holdings for its exceptional contributions to the development of agriculture and tourism in the state, describing the company’s efforts as transformational and highly impactful.
The lawmakers gave their commendation during an official visit to two of Cavista’s key initiatives — Agbeyewa Farms and the revitalized Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Centre.
The delegation, led by Hon. Femi Bamisile, included retired Air Vice Marshal Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo, Hon. Olusola Fatoba, and Hon. David Kolawole Akinlayo.
They were received by senior executives of Cavista Holdings, including Vice President/Executive Director Olumide Olayomi, General Manager of Glocient Hospitality Lanre Sharafa Balogun, and Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms Seyi Oska Aiyeleso.
The lawmakers’ first stop was Agbeyewa Farms, situated in the heart of Ekiti State.
The massive agricultural enterprise, recognized as the largest cassava farm in Nigeria, impressed the visitors with its scale, technological innovations, and the social and economic impact it has had on the local community.
AVM Ojuawo, visibly moved by the scale of operations, remarked humorously, “I used to think I had a farm, but after visiting Agbeyewa, I realized I have a garden.”
Hon. Bamisile, reflecting on the initiative’s founder, John Olajide, noted, “It baffles 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. Akinlayo also commended Olajide’s vision and pledged concrete support, announcing plans to sponsor 100 youths from his constituency for training at the farm to further empower local youth and promote agricultural self-reliance.
Following their tour of the farm, the lawmakers visited the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Centre, which has undergone a significant transformation under Glocient Hospitality, a Cavista subsidiary.
Once in a near-abandoned state, the resort has now been restored to a top-tier tourist destination.
AVM Ojuawo shared his astonishment at the progress, stating, “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.”
Hon. Fatoba, speaking on behalf of the delegation, emphasized that the government is ready to support forward-looking private sector initiatives that align with public development goals.
He lauded Governor Abiodun Oyebanji’s pro-investment posture and acknowledged the patriotic commitment of John Olajide, the Chairman of both Agbeyewa Farms and Glocient Hospitality.
The lawmakers collectively promised to advocate for Agbeyewa Farms and ensure it receives necessary backing from relevant government agencies to further scale its operations and impact.
The visit underscored a growing partnership between government and private investors to drive socio-economic development in Ekiti State, especially in key areas like agriculture and tourism that have the potential to transform local livelihoods and stimulate economic growth.
