OKEHO SUMMIT: Emphasizes micro, small & medium agribusiness to engender a prosperous community

L-R: Mr Kunle Awojobi, Secretary, Egbe Omo Ibile Okeho; Mrs Rachael Ariori, Chairperson, Planning Committee, Okeho Economic and Industrial Awareness Summit; HRM Oba Dr. Abdulrafiu Osuolale Mustapha, Adeitan II, the Onjo of Okeho and Mr. Moyo Ajekigbe, Chairman, Okeho Economic and Industrial Awareness Committee during the Okeho Economic and Industrial Awareness Summit held at Okeho Town Hall on February 2025

The Okeho Economic and Industrial Awareness Summit 2025 convened on Saturday, 22nd February, drew prominent figures to the Okeho Town Hall to discuss strategies for revitalizing the ancient town’s economy.

Organized by Egbe Omo Ibile Okeho, led by a committee headed by Mr. Jacob Moyo Ajekigbe, former Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria Plc. The event featured lectures from Professor Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi and Mr. Kolawole Adeniyi, along side addresses from other dignitaries.

Professor Olaniyi Jacob Babayemi, President of the Nigerian Society of Animal Protection (NSAP), delivered a lecture titled “Unlocking the Economic Potential of Okeho.” He emphasized the need for actionable strategies.

He announced thus, “I am here not just to speak, but to inspire action that will shape the present and future of this town and its environs,” he stated.

Prof Babayemi highlighted Okeho’s historical reliance on diverse economic activities, including arts and crafts such as weaving, pottery, beadwork, and blacksmithing, as well as agricultural production of garlic, turmeric, ginger, locust beans, okra, limes, and groundnuts.

He urged residents to blend traditional practices with modern technology, suggesting the creation of an “Olofin Brand” to market local products like “Olofin Ginger” and “Olofin Pottery.”

**At Okeho, most of the agricultural activities are still largely done manually**

He identified infrastructure deficits, work-force limitations, and the absence of a clear economic development strategy as key challenges. His recommendations included developing a strategic economic plan, establishing an investor task force, implementing workforce training programs, promoting tourism, and leveraging natural resources.

He further proposed an action plan that involves establishing an economic development strategy committee within six months, hosting an investment summit within 12 months, and developing a workforce development program within the same timeframe.

Mr. Kolawole Adeniyi, Chairman/CEO of Niji Group, focused on agribusiness potential in his lecture. He narrated thus; “Okeho, a town nestled within Oyo State, possesses fertile land and a hard working populace, presenting a prime opportunity for agribusiness-driven economic growth. Unlocking this potential requires a multi-pronged approach,” he stated.

Adeniyi outlined key strategies such as empowering local farmers with modern techniques and improved seeds, establishing robust market linkages, promoting value-added processing, and ensuring access to finance.

He enunciated that, “By addressing these key areas, Okeho can transform its agricultural potential into a thriving agribusiness hub, driving sustainable economic growth and prosperity for its residents,” he concluded.

Mr. Kolawole Adeniyi, Chairman/CEO of Niji Group, focused on agribusiness potential in his lecture. He remarked that “Okeho, a town nestled within Oyo State, possesses fertile land and a hardworking populace, presenting a prime opportunity for agribusiness-driven economic growth. Unlocking this potential requires a multi-pronged approach,” he stated.

He outlined key strategies: empowering local farmers with modern techniques and improved seeds, establishing robust market linkages, promoting value-added processing, and ensuring access to finance.
Adeniyi narrated that, “By addressing these key areas, Okeho can transform its agricultural potential into a thriving agribusiness hub, driving sustainable economic growth and prosperity for its residents,” he concluded.

**Bead making, a feature of art and craft at Okeho, Oyo State**

Mr. Jacob Moyo Ajekigbe, committee chairman, emphasized the summit’s goal of sharing knowledge and experience to foster economic prosperity.

Jacob Moyo Ajekigbe, Chairman Economic and Industrial Committee, described the gathering as a forum by which “knowledge, wisdom and experience can be shared with one another on ways through which the economic prosperity of the community can be attained,” he stated.

Hon. Najimdeen Oyeshina Oyedeji, representing the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola Federal Constituency, commended the community’s focus on economic development of the people.

On the state creation brouhaha, he reminded his audience there are fundamental constitutional procedures that must be strictly adhere to before new states could see the light of the day.

He however promised to deliver on his electioneering campaign promises as he’s very well aware of the iimpact the fulfillment would have on the socio-economic life of citizens in his constituency.

The epoch-making occasion had in attendance notable dignitaries, entrepreneurs, business moguls, politicians, traditional rulers among others.