By John Dike, Osogbo.
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has called on governments at all levels to place food security at the centre of national development by investing more in agriculture and providing sustained support for farmers across Nigeria.
He made the appeal on Monday during the celebration of the 2026 New Yam Festival held at the historic Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, where he described agriculture as the foundation of economic growth, national stability and food sufficiency.
The colourful annual festival attracted traditional rulers, chiefs, farmers, community leaders, women and youth groups who gathered to celebrate a successful farming season through traditional rites, cultural performances, thanksgiving and prayers for greater harvests in the coming year.
Speaking at the event, the Ooni, who is also the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), said Nigeria possesses vast agricultural potential that can guarantee prosperity if governments implement deliberate policies to strengthen the sector.
According to him, the New Yam Festival remains one of the oldest cultural festivals in Yorubaland, symbolising gratitude to God for a successful harvest while recognising the sacrifices and contributions of farmers to humanity.
He urged the Federal, State and Local Governments to make farming more attractive, especially for young people, by improving access to arable land, mechanised farming equipment, affordable credit facilities, security in farming communities and reliable markets for agricultural produce.
“Food security should remain a national priority. Every government must deliberately support our farmers because they remain the backbone of our economy and the custodians of our collective survival,” the monarch said.
He added that Nigeria’s fertile land and hardworking population provide the country with the resources needed to become a leading agricultural nation, stressing that stronger commitment to agricultural development would improve food production and strengthen the nation’s economy.
“We must continue to encourage our farmers, improve agricultural value chains and ensure that farming becomes profitable for both small and commercial-scale producers.
“Our cultural heritage must continue to complement economic development. The New Yam Festival is not merely a celebration of harvest; it is a reminder that agriculture remains central to our prosperity, food security and national stability,” he stated.
The Ooni also emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous festivals, noting that cultural celebrations such as the New Yam Festival help protect the identity of the Yoruba people while promoting tourism, economic activities and communal harmony.
As part of the ceremony, freshly harvested yam tubers were presented before the monarch for prayers and blessings in accordance with ancient customs before roasted yam was shared among guests. Hundreds of tubers of yam and other agricultural produce were also distributed to participants as symbols of abundance and shared prosperity.
The celebration featured vibrant performances by cultural troupes, traditional drummers, praise singers and dancers who showcased the rich cultural heritage of Ile-Ife, regarded as the cradle of the Yoruba race.
Earlier in his remarks, the Lowa Adimula of Ifeland, Adekola Adeyeye, commended the Ooni for his leadership and dedication to the peace, unity and development of Ifeland.
The traditional ruler offered prayers for the monarch’s continued good health, wisdom and long life while also seeking peace and prosperity for the ancient kingdom.
He also appealed to politicians, political parties and residents of Osun State to maintain peace before, during and after the August 15 governorship election.
Oba Adekola urged all stakeholders to place the collective interest of the state above personal and political ambitions, stressing that peaceful coexistence remains essential for meaningful development.
He called on residents to conduct themselves responsibly and allow democratic processes to take place without violence, intimidation or actions capable of threatening the peace of the state.
