Matna Foods Company Limited has partnered with the Ondo State Government to boost youth and women’s participation in agriculture through a programme designed to empower 3,000 outgrower farmers in the cassava value chain.
The company said the initiative, known as the Women in Sourcing and Enterprise Programme, targets mostly young women between the ages of 18 and 35. It aligns with the state government’s efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods and expand agricultural opportunities.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with the Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta Foundation. It will provide farmers with improved inputs, technical training and access to guaranteed markets through processing facilities such as Matna Foods.
The collaboration was highlighted during a stakeholder engagement session at the company’s facility, where government officials and industry leaders reaffirmed their commitment to initiatives that promote youth empowerment, gender inclusion and sustainable agricultural development.
The Managing Director of Matna Foods Company Limited and Agbeyewa Farms, Oska Aiyeleso, said the programme aims to create long-term economic value while strengthening agricultural supply chains in the state.
“This initiative is about building a sustainable ecosystem that empowers farmers while ensuring reliable feedstock for agro-processing. By connecting young farmers directly to structured markets, we are not only creating jobs but also laying the foundation for inclusive agricultural growth that benefits communities across Ondo State,” Aiyeleso said.
He also highlighted the vision of the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, John Olajide, noting that the company’s investments are focused on expanding economic opportunities.
“The Chairman is passionate about creating opportunities for Nigerians. John Olajide has a clear focus — create jobs, create more jobs, and further create more jobs for Nigerians as a pathway to economic empowerment and national development,” Aiyeleso added.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olaleye Akinola, emphasised the importance of collaboration between government and private investors in expanding agricultural production and supporting farmers.
“Agriculture remains a key pillar of economic development in Ondo State. Through initiatives like this, we can mobilise land, technical expertise and extension support to empower farmers and ensure a steady supply of raw materials for agro-processing companies such as Matna Foods,” Akinola said.
He added that the ministry would continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the success of programmes that strengthen the cassava value chain.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, commended the initiative for prioritising women and vulnerable groups.
“When we saw the structure of this initiative, particularly the focus on young women and other vulnerable groups, it became clear that it aligns strongly with the mandate of our ministry. Programmes like this create meaningful opportunities for women to achieve economic independence and contribute to the development of their communities,” Osamaye said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Segun Omoyofunmi, noted that agriculture remains a viable pathway for youth empowerment and employment.
“Our priority as a ministry is to ensure that young people are provided with opportunities that take them off the streets and position them for self-reliance. Agriculture offers tremendous potential for employment, and initiatives like the one being driven by Matna Foods help equip young people with the skills and opportunities needed to become productive members of the economy,” Omoyofunmi said.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Wemimo Akinsola, assured the company of the state government’s support in sustaining its agricultural investments.
He said the government would ensure adequate security for farming communities and agricultural facilities to encourage investors and enable the programme to reach more farmers.
The Executive Secretary of the Ondo State Disability Board, Eniola Olusola, also praised the initiative, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to inclusive development and job creation for people across the state, including persons living with disabilities.
Providing further details, the Project Coordinator, Ayo Obe, said the programme will run for 39 months and support participants through two cultivation cycles.
Obe explained that beneficiaries will begin with 0.4 hectares of farmland and can expand production in later phases as they gain experience and capacity. He added that the initiative combines farmer training, extension support and structured market access through Matna Foods’ processing operations to promote sustainable participation in the cassava value chain.
