Ibadan, Nigeria – The Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, has expressed his country’s keen interest in harnessing the agricultural potential of Ibadanland. During a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Monday, the ambassador highlighted Belgium’s commitment to collaborating with Nigeria in the agricultural sector.
“We have spent some days at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and agriculture is one of the key areas we are focusing on, aligning with the current Nigerian administration’s agenda,” Ambassador Leenknegt said. “Oyo State has a long history of cocoa production, and we aim to explore ways to boost this sector, thereby enhancing trade and finance between Nigeria and Belgium.”
The Olubadan, represented by the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, welcomed the ambassador and highlighted the vast agricultural potential of Ibadanland. He emphasized the availability of fertile lands in various local government areas, including Egbeda, Ona Ara, Oluyole, Ido, Lagelu, and Akinyele.
“Ibadan is one of the largest cities in Africa, and we have abundant arable land suitable for large-scale agricultural production,” Oba Ajibola said. “We invite investors to seize this opportunity and contribute to boosting food production in Nigeria.”
Ambassador Leenknegt expressed his enthusiasm for exploring the possibilities and sought guidance from the Olubadan and his council for a successful tenure in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of learning from local experiences and building strong partnerships to achieve mutual benefits.
The meeting was attended by several members of the Olubadan-in-Council, including the Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole-Foko, Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Asipa Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola, Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Amidu Ajibade, and Ekerin Balogun, Oba John Olubunmi Isioye-Dada.
