Ondo State Government and Matna Foods Company Ltd. have partnered to boost cassava production through youth and women engagement in agriculture.
Dr Wemimo Akinsola, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Agriculture and Agribusiness, affirmed the partnership at a stakeholders’ meeting on Monday at the company’s facility in Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area.
Akinsola said the government’s commitment was to strengthen agricultural development and expand opportunities for youth and women through strategic collaboration with private sector investors
He said the government was promoting inclusive participation in the cassava value chain and strengthening agribusiness investments.
Akinsola reiterated Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to the development of the agricultural sector as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and food security in the state.
According to him, Aiyedatiwa’s OUR EASE Agenda places significant emphasis on agriculture as a strategic sector for economic transformation. “Through the agenda, the government is focused on strengthening food production, supporting farmers, and attracting agricultural investments.
“It will also expand opportunities for youths and women to actively participate in agribusiness across the state. This administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment for agribusinesses to thrive through supportive policies and by ensuring the security of farming communities and agricultural facilities.
“Partnerships with reputable investors such as Matna Foods will significantly contribute to expanding agricultural production, strengthening rural economies, and creating sustainable employment opportunities for the people of Ondo State,” he said.
In his remarks, the Managing Director, Matna Foods Company Limited and Agbeyewa Farms, Mr Oska Aiyeleso, explained that the Women in Sourcing and Enterprise (WISE) programme was designed to empower about 3,000 youth outgrower farmers.
Aiyeleso added that 80 per cent of the beneficiaries were expected to be young women between the ages of 18 and 35, through active participation in the cassava value chain.
He said the initiative would support farmers with improved inputs, technical training, and guaranteed market opportunities through Matna Foods’ processing facilities.
The managing director also commended Akinsola for his proactive engagement with the company, noting that he remained the first and only government official to visit the facility since it commenced operations in the state.
He described the partnership as a demonstration of the government’s genuine interest in supporting private sector investments and strengthening collaboration between government and agribusiness stakeholders.
“The collaboration between Matna Foods and the Ondo State Government underscores a shared commitment to strengthening the cassava value chain. It will empower women and youths, and create sustainable employment opportunities that will drive inclusive growth and agricultural development across the state,” he said.
