Major Breakthrough: 15,000 Young Women Set For Cassava Revolution In Oyo State

According to Ireporter Online, Psaltry International Company Limited has launched a large-scale empowerment initiative aimed at training 15,000 young women in cassava cultivation across Oyo State. The project, supported by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and First City Monument Bank (FCMB), targets women aged 18 to 35 and is expected to cover the cultivation of 2,000 hectares of cassava farmland.

The initiative was unveiled during the firm’s 20th anniversary celebration held at its Awaye processing plant, where Psaltry’s Chief Executive Officer, Oluyemisi Iranloye, expressed appreciation to NADF, FCMB, and other partners for their continued collaboration. She stated that the funding provided will cover essential components such as land preparation, fertilizer supply, agrochemicals, and other inputs required for the expansive cassava project.

Iranloye noted that the timing of the anniversary coincided with the official rollout of the NADF-FCMB backing for the Psaltry–IDH–Mastercard partnership aimed at empowering thousands of young women in agribusiness across the state. She also highlighted the company’s contributions to rural development, including the provision of potable water through an industrial borehole, continuous electricity supply, medical outreach programmes, and scholarship opportunities for children of cassava farmers.

She further acknowledged Psaltry’s role in facilitating the construction of the access road linking Alayide, the host community, by the Oyo State Government. According to her, the company has achieved significant milestones over the years, such as promoting cassava flour as an alternative to wheat in the manufacturing sector, producing food-grade starch for major companies like Nigerian Breweries and Nestlé, and developing cassava-based sorbitol and high-purity hydrogen for industrial use.

Iranloye added that Psaltry is entering a new phase marked by research-driven innovation, market and product expansion, sustainable production practices, and clean energy adoption. She disclosed that the company generates 1.1 megawatts of solar power for its operations and converts its waste into nutrient-rich animal feed, emphasizing its commitment to environmental sustainability.

The event was attended by dignitaries including NADF representatives led by Abiodun Sosanya, Alitheia Group’s representative Oti Iletamhen, officials from FCMB, the Alawaye of Awaye, Oba Okunlola Amidu Olawale, community leaders, and stakeholders in the cassava value chain from within and beyond Oyo State.