The Ondo State government and Matna Foods Company Limited have launched a partnership aimed at drawing thousands of young people into agriculture, part of efforts to strengthen cassava production and expand jobs in rural communities.
The initiative targets about 3,000 outgrower farmers, with around 80 percent expected to be women between 18 and 35, under the Women in Sourcing and Enterprise (WISE) programme.
The project is being implemented with the Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta Foundation (PIND) and will provide participants with improved inputs, technical training and access to guaranteed buyers through Matna Foods’ processing operations.
Officials from several state ministries attended a stakeholder meeting at the company’s processing facility this week, where government representatives and the private sector pledged closer cooperation to make agriculture more attractive to young people.
Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, the managing director of Matna Foods Company Limited and Agbeyewa Farms, emphasized that the WISE Programme is designed to create long-term economic value while strengthening local agricultural supply chains.
“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 further highlighted the vision of Niyi John Olajide, the chairman of Cavista Holdings, who remains deeply committed to contributing to Nigeria’s development through strategic investments.
According to Aiyeleso, John Olajide believes that business is a force for good that can be used to transform lives and strengthen communities. “The Chairman is passionate about creating opportunities for Nigerians. John Olajide he noted 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 which has been implanted with Agbeyewa Farms and Matna Foods,” he said.
Olaleye Akinola, the commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. (Engr.), emphasized the importance of partnerships between government and private sector 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 mobilize 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. The ministry will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the success of programs that strengthen the cassava value chain,” Akinola said.
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Seun Bosede Osamaye, the commissioner for Women Affairs, commended Matna Foods for prioritizing women and vulnerable groups within its empowerment initiatives.
“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. Programs like this create meaningful opportunities for women to achieve economic independence and contribute to the development of their communities,” Osamaye noted.
Segun Omoyofunmmi, the commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, highlighted the importance of agriculture as a 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 the one being driven by Matna Foods help equip young people with the skills and opportunities needed to become productive members of the economy,” he stated.
Supporting the initiative, Wemimo Akinsola, the senior special assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, assured Matna leadership of the Ondo State Government’s support and security protection in sustaining the organization’s agricultural investments in the state.
He noted that ensuring the safety of farming communities and agricultural facilities would encourage investors like Matna Foods while enabling programs like WISE to scale effectively and reach more young farmers and women across rural communities.
Meanwhile, Eniola Olusola, the executive secretary of the Ondo State Disability Board, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that it reflects a strong commitment to inclusive development. He commended Matna Foods for creating employment opportunities for people across Ondo State, including persons living with disabilities. According to him, initiatives that intentionally create opportunities for vulnerable groups help ensure that economic growth is inclusive and that no segment of society is left behind.
Ayo Obe, project coordinator, said the WISE programme will run for 39 months and support farmers through two cultivation cycles. Participants will begin with 0.4 hectares of farmland, with the option to expand production in later stages as their capacity grows, Obe said.
The programme will combine farmer training, extension support and guaranteed market access through Matna Foods’ processing facilities, an approach organisers say could help stabilise supply while improving incomes for rural households.
If successfully implemented, the partnership could help deepen the cassava value chain in Ondo State while drawing more young Nigerians, particularly women, into commercial agriculture.
