Oyebanji, Ooni, Ewi hail Cavista boss Niyi Olajide’s agro-tourism investments as he receives ABUAD Doctorate

The Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Niyi John Olajide, has been conferred with an honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree by Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). The honour came alongside widespread commendations from Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and prominent traditional rulers, who praised Olajide’s transformative investments in agriculture, tourism, and employment generation across the state.

​Olajide received the degree during the university’s 14th convocation ceremony, which brought together key political and traditional leaders, including Governor Oyebanji, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe.

​Speaking at the event, Governor Oyebanji described Olajide as an accomplished international businessman and patriotic indigene who is actively complementing state government efforts to drive industrialization and attract private capital.

​Through Cavista Holdings—the parent company of Agbeyewa Farms and Glocient Hospitality—Olajide has directed multi-million-dollar investments into Ekiti’s economy. Oyebanji commended his key role in restoring and transforming the iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort into a world-class tourist destination, positioning the state firmly on the international tourism map.

​”Mr. Olajide’s business interests have generated thousands of jobs for our people across agricultural, hospitality, and venture spaces,” Governor Oyebanji noted, emphasising that such private investments showcase how capital can work alongside public initiative to uplift communities.

​In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, commended Olajide’s deep commitment to his homeland, describing him as an enigmatic personality whose background, drive, and community development efforts serve as a model for corporate citizenship.

​Similarly, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, noted that the state has long awaited entrepreneurs who could build on the foundational developmental contributions of ABUAD founder, Aare Afe Babalola. He expressed optimism that Olajide’s trailblazing investments would inspire other Nigerians in the diaspora to channel investment into Ekiti.