On Monday, August 26, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, encouraged the Belgian government to invest in the vast arable land in Ibadan for agricultural development.
Oba Olakulehin made this appeal during a visit from Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, at the new Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan. The Olubadan, represented by Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola, highlighted the potential of Ibadan’s land for large-scale agricultural production.
“There is abundant land in Ibadan that is ideal for agriculture,” Ajibola said. “We have areas like Egbeda, Ona Ara, Oluyole, Ido, Lagelu, and Akinyele that offer great opportunities for boosting food production. We hope you will consider investing in these opportunities to enhance our nation’s food security.”
Ambassador Leenknegt, accompanied by Genco Sanli, Advisor in Economic Diplomacy for Nigeria, and Florence Oke, Manager at IITA, shared details about Belgium’s interest in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He mentioned that the Belgian government is looking into ways to support and expand cocoa production in Nigeria, aligning with the goals of the current Nigerian administration.
“We have been exploring agriculture with IITA, focusing on cocoa production,” Leenknegt said. “I am here to gather insights and advice to guide our efforts in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Your experience and wisdom will be invaluable for our work.”
Leenknegt expressed his eagerness to collaborate and support Nigeria’s agricultural initiatives during his tenure.
