The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has called on the Belgian government to invest in Ibadan’s vast arable land for agricultural production.
The monarch made this appeal while hosting the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, at the new ultramodern Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday.
Speaking through the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola, Oba Olakulehin highlighted the availability of large tracts of arable land in Ibadan that are ideal for agricultural production.
He emphasized the need for international partnership and funding to enhance food production in Nigeria.
The Olubadan pointed out specific areas within Ibadan, such as Egbeda, Ona Ara, Oluyole, Ido, Lagelu, and Akinyele Local Government Areas, which are rich in agricultural potential.
“Kabiyesi is happy to receive you and your team this morning. Ibadan is one of the largest cities in Africa,” he said.
“We have vast arable land in Ibadan suitable for large-scale agricultural production. We want you to take advantage of this opportunity to boost food production, especially at this critical time in our nation.”
Earlier, Ambassador Leenknegt, accompanied by Genco Sanli, Advisor in Economic Diplomacy for Nigeria, Kingdom of Belgium, and Florence Oke, Manager of Resource Mobilisation, Protocol, and External Liaison at IITA, discussed Belgium’s ongoing activities and interventions in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He expressed his desire to gain insights from the Olubadan and the council to support his efforts in advancing Nigeria’s agriculture during his tenure.
“We have spent some days at IITA. Agriculture is one of the areas we are focusing on, aligning with the current administration’s agenda,” Leenknegt said.
“Cocoa production is a key area, and Oyo State, with its rich history in cocoa farming, is central to this effort. We aim to boost cocoa production in Nigeria, which will, in turn, enhance trade and finance.
This mission brought me to the state, and I am honored to be here. I look forward to receiving your guidance for a successful tenure in office.”
