Makaiza Farms at the Forefront: The Story Behind Agunbiade’s Prestigious Ijesa Hall of Fame Merit Award

Ilesa, Osun State – April 5, 2026

Renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and agribusiness leader, Olufemi Joseph Agunbiade, has been honoured as a Merit Awardee at the prestigious unveiling of the Obokungbusi Hall of Fame in Ijesaland. The award ceremony formed a major highlight of the grand luncheon held at the Aromolaran Event Centre, Palace Square, Ereja, Ilesa, on Easter Sunday.

Mr. Agunbiade was recognised for his remarkable decision to return to Ijesaland to establish a transformative and iconic agribusiness venture, a move widely applauded for its socio-economic impact on the region.

A visionary entrepreneur, Agunbiade is the Founder and Managing Director of Makaiza Farms Limited, a rapidly expanding agro-industrial company headquartered in Iwoye-Ijesha, Osun State. With decades of experience across multiple industries and international exposure, he has built a reputation for resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to economic development through agriculture.

Born on May 4, 1959, in Ibadan, Oyo State, to Mr. Sunday Orunmuyi Agunbiade and Mrs. Lydia Olajimi Agunbiade (née Osifekun), he began his educational journey in Lagos and Ibadan, attending St. Michael’s Primary School, Mushin, and St. Saviour’s Anglican Primary School, Ekotedo. He later proceeded to African Church Grammar School and Prospect High School, Ibadan, where he completed his secondary education in 1976.

Driven by a quest for broader academic and cultural exposure, Agunbiade advanced his studies at the European University in Antwerp, Belgium. His time in Europe significantly shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and global business outlook.

In 1990, he returned to West Africa and settled in Cotonou, Benin Republic, where he built a successful entrepreneurial career spanning construction, oil and gas, and international trade. During this period, he developed extensive expertise in business management, investment strategy, and cross-border commerce.

It was during his time in Benin Republic that he conceived the vision of establishing a large-scale agribusiness enterprise. Although initially planned for Benin, he was persuaded by his father to bring the project back home to Nigeria, a decision that would later prove pivotal.

In 2017, Agunbiade established Makaiza Farms Limited in Iwoye-Ijesha. What began as a modest oil palm processing operation has since evolved into a fully integrated agro-industrial enterprise. Today, the company produces crude palm kernel oil, refined palm olein, and palm kernel meal, serving both domestic and industrial markets.

Under his leadership, the company has expanded into international commodity trading, successfully entering export markets for refined vegetable oil and cocoa beans, targeting the United States and Europe from 2024.

Agunbiade’s leadership philosophy centres on sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence. He remains a strong advocate for agriculture as a driver of economic transformation in Africa, consistently investing in modern processing technologies, responsible farming practices, and human capital development.

Beyond his business achievements, he is widely respected for his commitment to community development. Through Makaiza Farms, he has contributed significantly to job creation, rural economic growth, and the modernization of agricultural practices in Osun State and beyond.

A devoted family man, Mr. Agunbiade is a father of five biological children and a mentor to many others across the world.

His recognition at the Obokungbusi Hall of Fame underscores his enduring impact and serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly in the agricultural sector, reinforcing the importance of investing in local communities for sustainable development.

Coverage, script ✍️ Camera 📸 Credit; Oladimeji Lasore (+2347035105413, [email protected]

More Photos: