Matna Foods Company Limited has partnered the Ondo State Government to promote youth and women participation in agriculture as part of efforts to boost job creation and economic development in the state.
The collaboration involves key ministries including the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, to drive the implementation of the Women in Sourcing and Enterprise (WISE) Programme.
Speaking during an engagement meeting with the key stakeholders, held at the Matna Foods facility in Akure, the Managing Director of Matna Foods Company Limited and Agbeyewa Farms, Mr Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, said that the initiative aims to empower about 3,000 youth outgrower farmers across the state, with about 80 per cent of the beneficiaries expected to be young women between the ages of 18 and 35.
He explained that Participants will be actively engaged in the cassava value chain and supported to improve their productivity and livelihoods.
According to him, the programme, which is being implemented in partnership with the Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta Foundation, will provide beneficiaries with improved farm inputs, technical training and access to structured markets through processing facilities such as Matna Foods.
Aiyeleso, described the WISE Programme as a strategic initiative aimed at building a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that benefits farmers and agro-processing companies.
He affirmed that the initiative will help connect farmers to reliable markets and as well create employment opportunities and strengthening agricultural supply chains within Ondo State.
Aiyeleso also noted that the programme aligns with the vision of the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Mr Niyi John Olajide, who is committed to driving development in Nigeria through investments that generate employment and improve community livelihoods.
In his remarks the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Engr. Olaleye Akinola, said collaboration between government and private sector investors is vital for expanding agricultural production and driving economic growth in the state.
He assured that the state government would continue to provide the needed support to farmers and investors to ensure the success of initiatives aimed at strengthening the cassava value chain.
Also the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Seun Bosede Osamaye, commended Matna Foods for designing a programme that prioritises women and vulnerable groups, noting that such initiatives contribute significantly to women’s economic empowerment.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Segun Omoyofunmmi, said agriculture remains a viable avenue for youth employment and urged young people to take advantage of opportunities provided through programmes like WISE.
In the same vein, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Mr Wemimo Akinsola, assured stakeholders of the government’s continued support in ensuring the security and sustainability of agricultural investments across the state.
The Executive Secretary of the Ondo State Disability Board, Mr Eniola Olusola, also commended the initiative, describing it as an inclusive programme that will create opportunities for various segments of the population, including persons living with disabilities.
Providing further insight into the programme, the Project Coordinator, Mr Ayo Obe, explained that the WISE Programme will run for 39 months and will support farmers through two cultivation cycles.
He added that beneficiaries will initially cultivate about 0.4 hectares of farmland, with the possibility of expanding their operations as they gain experience and capacity through training and extension services provided under the programme.
