Matna Foods Company Limited has partnered with the Ondo State Government to strengthen youth and women participation in agriculture through the implementation of the Women in Sourcing and Enterprise (WISE) Programme.
The initiative, which seeks to empower about 3,000 youth outgrower farmers—80 per cent of whom are expected to be young women between the ages of 18 and 35—is aimed at expanding opportunities within the cassava value chain while promoting economic empowerment and job creation across the state.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with the Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) Foundation and will provide participating farmers with access to improved inputs, technical training, and guaranteed market opportunities through processing facilities such as Matna Foods.
The collaboration was highlighted during a stakeholder engagement session held at the Matna Foods facility, where officials of the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Women Affairs, and Youth and Sports Development reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that empower young people, promote gender inclusion, and strengthen rural livelihoods.
From L-R: Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Bosede Osamaye, MD/CEO of Agbeyewa Farms and Matna Foods, Mr. Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Honourable Engineer Olaleye Akinola and Ondo State Commissioner for Youth & Sports Development Hon. Segun Omoyofunmmi during their visit to Matna Foods factory in Ogbese, Akure, Ondo State.
Speaking during the engagement, the Managing Director of Matna Foods Company Limited and Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, said the WISE Programme was designed to create long-term economic value while strengthening local agricultural supply chains.
According to him, the initiative connects young farmers directly to structured markets, thereby creating employment opportunities and fostering inclusive agricultural growth across communities in Ondo 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, Mr. John Olajide, who he said remains committed to contributing to Nigeria’s development through strategic investments that create jobs and strengthen communities.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. (Engr.) Olaleye Akinola, described the partnership as a significant step toward expanding agricultural production and supporting farmers in the state.
“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,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Seun Bosede Osamaye, commended the company for prioritising women and vulnerable groups within its empowerment initiatives.
She noted that the programme aligns with the ministry’s mandate of promoting economic independence for women and enhancing their contribution to community development.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Segun Omoyofunmmi, described agriculture as a viable pathway for youth empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.
“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 this help equip young people with the skills needed to become productive members of the economy,” he said.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Hon. Wemimo Akinsola, assured the company of the Ondo State Government’s continued support, including security protection for its agricultural investments.
He noted that ensuring the safety of farming communities and agricultural facilities would encourage more investors while enabling programmes such as WISE to expand and reach more rural communities.
Also, the Executive Secretary of the Ondo State Disability Board, Mr. Eniola Olusola, applauded the initiative for promoting inclusive development and creating employment opportunities for people across the state, including persons living with disabilities.
Providing further details on the programme, the Project Coordinator, Mr. Ayo Obe, said the WISE initiative would run for 39 months and support beneficiaries through two cultivation cycles.
He explained that participants would begin with 0.4 hectares of farmland, with opportunities to expand production as they gain experience and capacity.
Obe added that the programme combines farmer training, extension services, and structured market access through Matna Foods’ processing operations to ensure sustainable participation in the cassava value chain and contribute to long-term economic growth in Ondo State.