Oke’s passion for agriculture started in high school, where he joined Future Farmers of America (FFA) and gained hands-on experience raising cattle, growing crops, and managing fruit trees. These early experiences taught him the power of working with the land — not just for income, but for community impact. He became especially aware of the lack of access to fresh food in urban food deserts where he lived in Orange County, which motivated him to pursue sustainable solutions that could make a difference.

Over time, Oke became increasingly drawn to bees — their role in the food system, their complex behavior, and the challenges they face. Beekeeping brought together all of his interests: sustainability, food security, education, and ecological stewardship. These passions continue to shape the mission and values of Oke’s Busy Bees.

Oke holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences with an option in Education, which helps him understand how to grow food responsibly and share that knowledge with others. He has extensive hands-on experience managing hives for pollination, breeding queens, and supporting other beekeepers across California. He’s learned directly from commercial operations, local clubs, and industry mentors — building both practical skills and strong community ties.