Raphael Owens Osazogie, is the founder of Raphowens Farms Limited, a food production company.

Raphowens Farms Limited is a thriving agribusiness, empowering local farmers and contributing to Nigeria’s food security.

Raphael Owens Osazogie speaks to Elorablog in this interview.

Please tell us a little bit about your background?

My name is Raphael Owens Osazogie, from Edo State Nigeria, Born in 6th July 1975, married with three kids, a Christian, a farmer and an agro processor.

What was your dream profession growing up?

Mechanical engineer

Please share with me your journey to Entrepreneurship?

Raphowens Farms Limited was founded in 2019 by Raphael Osazogie, driven by a passion for sustainable agriculture and food production. Born and raised in Upper Sakponba, Benin City, Edo State, Raphael witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by local farmers during his childhood.

After exploring opportunities abroad, Raphael returned to Nigeria determined to make a difference. Undeterred by initial setbacks, he drew upon his entrepreneurial spirit to build a successful agribusiness.

Key Milestones:

  • 2019: Founded Raphowens Farms as a venture
  • 2023: Upgraded to a limited liability company (Raphowens Farms Limited)
  • 2023: Awarded Edojobber of the Month (February) by Edojobs Entrepreneurship Programme
  • 2023: Received export license from Edo State Government

Inspiration and Vision:

Raphael’s dream was to establish a renowned Garri house in Benin City, modeled after the iconic Coco House in Ibadan. Today, Raphowens Farms Limited is a thriving agribusiness, empowering local farmers and contributing to Nigeria’s food security.

Our mission remains: sustainable agriculture, quality food production, and community development.

What motivated you to start up Raphowens Farms Limited?

My journey into agro-processing and food production began with a pressing concern. In my local government, farm produce was spoiling due to inadequate preservation methods, resulting in significant post-harvest losses. This issue sparked my curiosity.

Through research, I discovered Nigeria’s remarkable status as the world’s largest producer of cassava. This revelation fueled my passion to contribute to the country’s agricultural sector.

Empowered by this knowledge, I decided to bridge the gap between production and preservation. Raphowens Farms Limited was born, focusing on cassava processing and value-added products.

Raphowens Farms Limited, specializes in crop farming and food processing. And our products ranges from

  • Cassava flakes
  • Cassava flour
  • Cassava chips and more ,

How do you preserve these products?

  1. Freezing (-18°C/0°F)
  2. Dehydration (using machines or solar dryers)
  3. Vacuum packaging
  4. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

Photo and a video of Raphowens Farms products

How did you come up with this business idea?

During my research days, I researched Nigeria’s agricultural sector and discovered:

  1. Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of cassava.
  2. Cassava is a versatile crop with various value-added products.
  3. Local demand for cassava products was high, but supply was inadequate.

Where can we find your products?

No.48 & 49 Falaonu Street off Country Home Road, Benin City, Edo State Nigeria.

Can you share with me the setbacks and challenges you’ve encountered in this business?

lack of access to finance or capital, poor infrastructure, multiple taxation etc

Where do you see Raphowens Farms Limited in 5 years?

Capturing the local market, taken advantage of the AFRICA CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE ZONE agreement and going global.

To contact Raphowens Farms Limited send email:raphowens@gmail.com

Phone Number:: +2347060599414, +2349075946738

Email: elora.akpotosevbe@yahoo.com