Evolvecrest Global Company Limited, in collaboration with UK Aid and South West Nigerian state governments, has launched a multi-million naira project aimed at boosting yam production and exports.
With Nigeria producing over 44 million tonnes of yam annually, the initiative seeks to cultivate 50 million tubers in the South West and expand exports to the Caribbean and other global markets.
Evolvecrest CEO Adeyemi Ajayi, the mastermind behind the World Iyan Carnival, stated that the project will focus on both public and private sector collaboration, engaging financial institutions to support the goal of promoting food security and agricultural development.
The initiative also aims to drive job creation, boost the economy, and increase Nigeria’s foreign currency earnings through expanded export opportunities.
In addition to yam, other crops like coco yam and cassava will be promoted, while the World Iyan Carnival will feature events celebrating African culture and culinary traditions, culminating in a festival on December 27. Ajayi emphasized the initiative’s potential to reach 1.4 billion Africans globally, making it one of the largest movements focused on food security and culture.