By:Ade Phillips
A devastating inferno engulfed Royal Farm in Akeredolu Village, Osu, Atakumosa West Local Government Area of Osun, destroying over 50 acres of palm trees and pineapples valued at N150 million.
The founder of the farm, Rufus Jegede, revealed the extent of the damage during a press conference on Sunday, stating that the incident occurred on Friday. Established in 2015 after his retirement, the farm included palm oil production, animal husbandry (including piggery and cattle rearing), and various arable cropping activities.
Jegede lamented the loss of approximately 4,000 palm trees and five acres of pineapple farm, which were severely affected by the blaze. Prior to the fire, the farm produced at least 50 kegs of palm oil per week and harvested about 500 tons of pineapples annually.
Suspecting foul play, Jegede expressed his belief that the fire may have been deliberately set by unidentified individuals, whom he described as “wicked individuals.” He noted that only his farm was targeted in the incident, indicating possible malicious intent behind the devastating blaze.
“This is the third time that the farm would be ravaged with fire since its establishment,” he said.
Jegede further stated that a man, identified as Sunday, who used to disturb, steal, and harvest their plantain and pineapple, had been apprehended in connection with the fire.
He complained of laziness among some youths, who were not ready to contribute their quota toward making Nigeria greater.
“Most of the people doing farming in Osun are northerners and foreigners. It appears as if our youths are not interested,” he added.
Jegede, however, expressed the regret that despite the popularity of the farm, no government agency had come to visit the facility, adding that there had also been no intervention or support from anywhere.
He called on the government to prioritise agriculture by making policies to further encourage farming in the country.
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