The Chief Executive Officer of Psaltry International Company Limited, Oluyemisi Iranloye, on Saturday announced a new initiative to empower 15,000 young women in cassava cultivation across Oyo State. The programme is designed for women between 18 and 35 years old and aims to support them in cultivating 2000 hectares of cassava. The effort is backed by the National Agricultural Development Fund and First City Monument Bank through the Psaltry-IDH-Mastercard partnership.
Iranloye made the announcement during the company’s 20th anniversary celebration, which also marked the official flag-off of the NADF-FCMB support for the initiative. She expressed gratitude to the funding partners and other stakeholders who have supported the company’s journey over the years. She said the financial support would take care of ploughing activities, fertiliser, chemicals and other essential inputs needed for the 2000 hectares of cassava.
“I want to sincerely thank everyone here and all who have played a role in Psaltry’s journey. I also extend my appreciation to the Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, especially as this celebration coincides with the flag-off of the NADF-FCMB support for the Psaltry-IDH-Mastercard initiative, empowering 15,000 young women in Oyo State, aged 18 to 35, in cassava cultivation,” she said.
Iranloye highlighted some of the company’s past achievements in improving the lives of cassava farmers in the state. She noted that Psaltry had provided industrial boreholes supplying potable water, ensured constant electricity, organised medical outreach for surrounding communities and offered scholarships to children of cassava farmers. She added that the company also facilitated the construction of the road linking Alayide, the host village, through the support of the Oyo State government.
She explained that the company had consistently pushed for cassava flour to replace the heavy dependence on wheat flour among local manufacturers. According to her, Psaltry also produces food-grade starch used by major companies like Nigerian Breweries and Nestle, cassava-based sorbitol for toothpaste production and high-purity hydrogen for different industries.
“As we mark 20 years, Psaltry is stepping confidently into a new era – one defined by innovation, product diversification, market diversification, groundbreaking research and development, sustainable livelihoods, clean energy and environmental sustainability. We generate 1.1 megawatt of solar power to run our operations. Nothing is wasted; our wastes are transformed into nutrient-rich animal feed. This is not only smart, it is sustainable,” she added.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including representatives of the National Agricultural Development Fund such as Mr Abiodun Sosanya, who represented the Executive Secretary, Malam Mohammed Ibrahim. Others present were a representative of the Alitheia Group, Mr Oti Iletamhen, officials from First City Monument Bank, the Alawaye of Awaye, Oba Okunlola Amidu Olawale, the head of the host village, Alhaji Gazali Alayide and several cassava stakeholders from within and outside Oyo State.
