A free cassava programme for young women of between 18-35 years will commence from May 30,2026, Ondo State Government has announced.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Mr Wemimo Akinsola, announced the new agricultural empowerment programme while addressing newsmen in Akure, recently.
Akinsola said the initiative is designed to engage young people between the ages of 18 and 35 in cassava farming, with a special focus on women, although some men will also be accommodated.
According to him, the programme, which is being spearheaded by MasterCard with support from partnering organisations, aims to empower about 500 participants through practical agricultural engagement at the project’s station located in Ore.
Wemimo explained that beneficiaries would be provided with all necessary farming inputs and support needed for cassava cultivation throughout the four-month programme.
“We are looking for about 500 people to participate in this initiative. We will provide them with the inputs and everything necessary for the cultivation of cassava. Transportation support will also be given to participants,” he said.
He noted that the programme is completely free and does not require any payment for registration.
Interested applicants, he said, are expected to present their National Identification Number (NIN) and a valid means of identification during registration.
“The registration has already started, and participants are expected to move to the project site by the end of May,” he added.
He called on all young women who are interested to visit OSAEC or the Agricultural Commodities Association OSACA along Ondo road to register .
While declaring that the registration is free, Wemimo further disclosed that all selected participants would be expected to resume at the site between May 29 and May 30,2026.
He urged eligible youths and women across the state to take advantage of the opportunity, describing the initiative as a major step towards youth empowerment and agricultural development