The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called on governments at all levels to prioritise agriculture and strengthen support for farmers, describing food security as a critical foundation for Nigeria’s economic growth and long-term stability.
The monarch made the call on Monday during the 2026 New Yam Festival held at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
He stressed that sustainable economic prosperity could not be achieved without adequate food production, urging governments to implement deliberate policies and investments that would promote agricultural development across the country.
The Ooni said farmers remained central to Nigeria’s food security and economic development, noting that greater support was needed to make farming profitable for both smallholder and commercial producers.
“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,” he said.
He added that Nigeria was blessed with fertile land and hardworking farmers, stressing that the country needed stronger commitment to agricultural development, improved value chains and policies capable of making agriculture more attractive and profitable.
“Nigeria is richly blessed with fertile land and hardworking people. What we need is the right commitment to agricultural development. We must continue to encourage our farmers, improve agricultural value chains and ensure that farming becomes profitable for both small and commercial-scale producers,” the monarch said.
According to a statement issued by the monarch’s spokesman, Sodiq Lawal, freshly harvested yams were presented to the Ooni for prayers and blessings in accordance with long-standing tradition before roasted yams were shared with guests and dignitaries.
The statement added that hundreds of yams and other agricultural produce were distributed to participants, symbolising abundance, generosity and shared prosperity.
The Ooni described the New Yam Festival as one of the oldest cultural celebrations in Yorubaland, noting that it serves as an expression of gratitude to God for a successful harvest while recognising the important role farmers play in sustaining society.
“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 said.
Activities at the festival included cultural performances, traditional rites, thanksgiving for the farming season and prayers for increased agricultural yields in the coming year.
The traditional ruler also stressed the importance of preserving indigenous festivals, saying they contribute to the promotion of Yoruba cultural identity, tourism, economic activities and community cohesion.
He urged stakeholders to use cultural celebrations such as the New Yam Festival as platforms for promoting agriculture, supporting farmers and encouraging younger generations to appreciate the importance of food production and sustainable agricultural development.
