By Our Reporter
Serial entrepreneur and Chairman of Cavista Holdings, John Olajide, has been named a recipient of the Ekiti Builder Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions to the economic development and growth of Ekiti State.
The award, instituted as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Ekiti State, is designed to celebrate 30 distinguished sons and daughters of the state whose contributions have impacted its development.
Olajide will be honoured alongside other prominent Ekiti indigenes, including legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola, former Governors; Engr. Segun Oni, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, at a special ceremony scheduled to hold at Afe Babalola Hall of Fame, Tourism Village, Okemesi, Ekiti State, on Thursday October 1, 2026.
Olajide, the Founder and CEO of Axxess, a global home healthcare technology company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is also an entrepreneur, civic leader and community builder with investments across different sectors.
His major intervention in Ekiti began in 2022 when he returned to the state with a commitment to creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities. He subsequently established Agbeyewa Farms, an agricultural investment focused on cassava production and other areas of agribusiness.
The farm has grown into a major agricultural enterprise, providing employment opportunities for young people and contributing to economic activities in the state.
In the hospitality sector, Olajide, through Glocient Hospitality, also invested in the development of Ikogosi Warm Springs, one of Ekiti State’s major tourism attractions, following an agreement with the state government.
Though, of particular are Glocient Hospitality and Agbeyewa Farms in Ekiti but aside from his investments, John Olajide is also a leading philanthropist, giving support to individuals and communities in Ekiti Ekiti State.
Speaking on the rationale for the award, the Publisher of Kayegbo International, Chief Morakinyo Ogunniyi, said the organisers undertook a painstaking process to identify Ekiti indigenes who had deployed their resources, knowledge and time towards the development of the state.
Ogunniyi said the 30th anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress Ekiti had made since its creation in 1996.
“When Ekiti was created 30 years ago, not a few Nigerians dismissed it as a misadventure. Many concluded that Ekiti State was not sustainable because of its agrarian nature and civil service nomenclature.
“But as a community of determined, principled and hardworking people, those who are being celebrated today, alongside many others, switched into action and gave Ekiti their all. Today, the rest is history. Ekiti has not only become a force to reckon with; it has become a source of pride to the nation.”
Speaking specifically about Olajide, Ogunniyi said the organisers were impressed by his decision to commit significant resources to Ekiti despite having built a successful career and business interests abroad.
He said, “When we were looking for a young individual who passionately loves Ekiti and is ready to commit his hard-earned resources to the development of the state, we did not look far before settling for John Niyi Olajide.
“Within a few years, Olajide has demonstrated that Ekiti can attract serious investments and create opportunities for its young people. We encourage more Ekiti people to emulate his example by contributing their resources, expertise and networks to the development of the state.”
Reacting to the recognition, Olajide dedicated the award to the young men and women working at Agbeyewa Farms and Glocient Hospitality, saying they had played a critical role in translating his vision into reality.
He described himself as “only a class captain and leader of a team,” adding that the people working behind the scenes were the driving force behind the achievements of his businesses.
“While I express my deep appreciation to the organisers of this award, I want to use this opportunity to announce that I am only a class captain and leader of a team. The driving forces behind our modest success are the young men and women working at Agbeyewa and Ikogosi.
“Therefore, I dedicate this award to them and wish Ekiti a happy 30th anniversary.” He stated.
Olajide also congratulated the people of Ekiti State on they anniversary and commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji, former governors, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for their contributions and sacrifices towards the development of the state.
