The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called on governments at all levels to make food security a national priority by implementing sustainable agricultural policies that empower farmers, boost food production and strengthen Nigeria’s economic future.
The monarch made the appeal on Monday during the 2026 New Yam Festival held at the historic Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, where traditional rulers, chiefs, farmers, community leaders, women and youth groups gathered to celebrate one of Yorubaland’s oldest and most revered cultural festivals.
The annual celebration featured traditional rites, thanksgiving for a successful farming season, colourful cultural performances and prayers for abundant harvests in the coming year, reaffirming the enduring relationship between Yoruba cultural heritage and agricultural prosperity.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Media Officer at the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni described agriculture as the foundation of national development, noting that no nation can achieve lasting economic growth without ensuring adequate food production and food sufficiency.
The monarch said the New Yam Festival remains a timeless expression of gratitude to Olodumare for a fruitful harvest while celebrating the resilience and invaluable contributions of farmers to society.
He urged the Federal, State and Local Governments to adopt practical policies capable of attracting more Nigerians—particularly young people—into agriculture through improved access to arable land, mechanised farming equipment, affordable credit facilities, enhanced security in farming communities and expanded market opportunities 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.
“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.
“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,” the Ooni stated.
Beyond agriculture, the monarch emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous festivals, describing them as vital platforms for protecting Yoruba cultural identity, promoting tourism, stimulating local economies and strengthening communal bonds across generations.
As part of the age-long tradition, newly harvested yam tubers were ceremonially presented before the Ooni for prayers and royal blessings before roasted yam was shared among guests and dignitaries. Hundreds of yam tubers and other agricultural produce were also distributed to participants as symbols of abundance, gratitude and shared prosperity.
The celebration was further enriched by vibrant performances from cultural troupes, traditional drummers, praise singers and dancers, who showcased the rich cultural heritage of Ile-Ife, widely regarded as the cradle of the Yoruba civilisation.
Earlier in his remarks, the Lowa Adimula of Ifeland, His Royal Highness Oba Adekola Adeyeye, praised the Ooni for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to promoting peace, unity and development across Ifeland.
The traditional ruler offered prayers for the monarch’s continued good health, wisdom and long reign while seeking enduring peace, progress and prosperity for the people of the ancient kingdom.
Oba Adekola also appealed to political stakeholders, party supporters and residents of Osun State to maintain peace before, during and after the forthcoming governorship election. He urged all actors to place the collective interest of the state above partisan considerations and conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process.
He stressed that peaceful coexistence remains fundamental to sustainable development and called on citizens to uphold democratic values by rejecting violence, intimidation and any actions capable of undermining the state’s stability.
The 2026 New Yam Festival once again reinforced the significance of agriculture as a pillar of economic growth while highlighting the enduring role of traditional institutions in championing food security, cultural preservation, peaceful coexistence and national development.
