A firm – Matna Foods Company Limited said it has strengthened collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to drive economic empowerment and job creation in Ondo State.

The partnership, according to the firm, aligns with the implementation of the Women in Sourcing and Enterprise (WISE) Programme, an initiative designed to empower 3,000 youth outgrower farmers, with 80 per cent expected to be young women between the ages of 18 and 35, through active participation in the cassava value chain.

The programme is also implemented in collaboration with the Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta Foundation and will support farmers with access to improved inputs, technical training, and guaranteed market opportunities through processing facilities such as Matna Foods.
This was made known during a stakeholder engagement session at the Matna Foods facility, where leaders of the ministries reaffirmed commitment to supporting initiatives that empower young people, promote gender inclusion, and strengthen rural livelihoods.

Managing Director of Matna Foods and Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Oska Seyi Aiyeleso, said the engagement forms part of broader efforts to ensure that agricultural investments translate into sustainable employment opportunities, strengthen rural economies, and expand opportunities for women and youth across the state.

Aiyeleso emphasised 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.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olaleye Akinola, emphasised the importance of partnerships between 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, noting that through initiatives like this, the government 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.

Akinola said the ministry will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the success of programmes that strengthen the cassava value chain.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Bosede Osamaye, commended the firm for prioritising 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. Programmes like this create meaningful opportunities for women to achieve economic independence and contribute to the development of their communities,” Osamaye noted.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Segun Omoyofunmmi, highlighted the importance of agriculture as a pathway for youth empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.

Omoyofunmmi stated that the ministry’s priority is to ensure that young people are provided with opportunities that take them off the streets and position them for self-reliance.

According him, agriculture offers tremendous potential for employment, and initiatives driven by Matna Foods help equip young people with the skills and opportunities needed to become productive members of the economy.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Wemimo Akinsola, assured the firm of the state’s support and security protection in sustaining the organisation’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 programmes like WISE to scale effectively and reach more young farmers and women across rural.