Ondo State and Matna Foods Partner to Empower 3,000 Youth and Women in Agriculture
Matna Foods Company Limited has announced a strengthened collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. This partnership is aimed at driving economic empowerment and job creation across the state, with a particular focus on agricultural development.
Launch of the WISE Programme
The collaboration aligns with the implementation of the Women in Sourcing and Enterprise (WISE) Programme, an initiative designed to empower 3,000 youth outgrower farmers. Notably, 80 percent of these participants are expected to be young women aged between 18 and 35. The programme focuses on active participation in the cassava value chain, providing a structured pathway for agricultural engagement.
Implemented in collaboration with the Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta Foundation, the WISE Programme will support farmers with access to improved inputs, technical training, and guaranteed market opportunities. This support will be facilitated through processing facilities such as those operated by Matna Foods, ensuring that farmers have reliable outlets for their produce.
Stakeholder Engagement and Commitments
During a stakeholder engagement session held at the Matna Foods facility, leaders from the involved ministries reaffirmed their commitment to initiatives that empower young people, promote gender inclusion, and strengthen rural livelihoods. The session highlighted the collective effort to translate agricultural investments into sustainable employment opportunities.
Mr. Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, Managing Director of Matna Foods and Agbeyewa Farms, emphasized that the engagement is part of broader efforts to ensure agricultural investments lead to sustainable employment, strengthen rural economies, and expand opportunities for women and youth. He stated, "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."
Government Support and Perspectives
Olaleye Akinola, the Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, underscored the importance of partnerships between the government and private sector investors in expanding agricultural production and supporting farmers. He explained that agriculture remains a key pillar of economic development in the state, and through initiatives like WISE, the government can mobilize land, technical expertise, and extension support to empower farmers and ensure a steady supply of raw materials for agro-processing companies.
Seun Bosede Osamaye, Commissioner for Women Affairs, commended Matna Foods for prioritizing women and vulnerable groups within its empowerment initiatives. She noted, "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."
Segun Omoyofunmmi, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, highlighted agriculture as a pathway for youth empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. He stated that the ministry's priority is to provide young people with opportunities that lead to self-reliance, taking them off the streets and positioning them as productive members of the economy.
Ensuring Security and Scalability
Wemimo Akinsola, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, assured Matna Foods of the state's support and security protection to sustain agricultural investments. He noted that ensuring the safety of farming communities and agricultural facilities would encourage investors and enable programmes like WISE to scale effectively, reaching more young farmers and women across rural areas.
This partnership represents a significant step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and economic resilience in Ondo State, with a clear focus on inclusivity and sustainable development.
