By Lanre Omotosho
Federal Government says it will continue to leverage on partnership that will reposition cassava as a driver of industrial development, rural livelihoods and import substitution.
Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the assurance at this year’s World Cassava Day held at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, with the theme “Farm to Global Markets: Driving Industrialization, Food Security and Exports”,
During the event to chart a new course for cassava-led growth, Senator Shettima said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is spotlighting cassava, which for long symbolised food security for the vulnerable, to be modified for the prosperity of the nation.
The sponsor of the national event, Cavista Holdings, in partnership with its agribusiness subsidiary, Agbeyewa Farms, reaffirmed their commitment to Nigeria’s agricultural and industrial future.
The Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Mr. Niyi John-Olajide, represented by Mr. Olumide Olayomi, said they are rebranding cassava as a strategic asset in Nigeria’s journey toward economic diversification, rural empowerment, and global competitiveness.
While commending the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Mr. John-Olajide expressed pride in the company’s role as a private sector partner committed to agriculture, job creation, and shared prosperity.
In their contribution Cavista’s Director of Strategy, Mr. Kabir Shagaya and Managing Director of Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Seyi Ayeleso, noted that the farm was leading cassava revolution in partnership with the Ekiti State Government, to have cultivated 5,000 hectares of cassava and created over 1,000 direct jobs within two years.
Both Mr. Shagaya and Mr. Ayeleso added that cassava from Agbeyewa’s yielded up to 32 tons per hectare with starch content of over twenty-seven per cent as well as planning to process cassava into starch, ethanol, flour and other by-products.
