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ONDO STATE, MATNA FOODS DEEPEN PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST YOUTH AND WOMEN ENGAGEMENT IN CASSAVA PRODUCTION
The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening agricultural development and expanding opportunities for youth and women through strategic collaboration with private sector investors.
This commitment was reiterated during a stakeholder engagement session held at the Matna Foods facility, aimed at promoting inclusive participation in the cassava value chain and strengthening agribusiness investments across the state.
Speaking at the engagement, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Hon. Wemimo Akinsola, conveyed the strong commitment of the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to the development of the agricultural sector as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and food security in the state.
Hon. Akinsola explained that the Governor’s OUR EASE Agenda places significant emphasis on agriculture as a strategic sector for economic transformation.
He noted that through the agenda, the government is focused on strengthening food production, supporting farmers, attracting agricultural investments, and expanding opportunities for youth and women to actively participate in agribusiness across the state.
According to him, the 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.
He added that 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.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Matna Foods Company Limited and Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, explained that the Women in Sourcing and Enterprise (WISE) Program is designed to empower about 3,000 youth outgrower farmers, with 80 percent expected to be young women between the ages of 18 and 35, through active participation in the cassava value chain.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta Foundation, will support farmers with improved inputs, technical training, and guaranteed market opportunities through Matna Foods’ processing facilities.
Mr. Aiyeleso also commended Hon. Wemimo Akinsola for his proactive engagement with the company, noting that he remains the first and only government official to visit the facility since he commenced operations in the state.
He described the visit as a demonstration of the government’s genuine interest in supporting private sector investments and strengthening collaboration between government and agribusiness stakeholders.
He further highlighted the vision of the Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Mr. Niyi John Olajide, whose commitment to Nigeria’s development continues to drive strategic investments in agriculture and community development.
According to him, the Chairman strongly believes that business should serve as a force for good capable of transforming lives and strengthening communities by creating sustainable employment opportunities for Nigerians.
The collaboration between Matna Foods and the Ondo State Government underscores a shared commitment to strengthening the cassava value chain, empowering women and youth, and creating sustainable employment opportunities that will drive inclusive growth and agricultural development across the state.
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