The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has stressed the importance of empowering women in agriculture, particularly livestock and poultry farming, as a catalyst for economic growth and food security.
Speaking at the This Season Initiative (Take Action) programme, organised by the Women in Agriculture Network (WIAN) in Benin City, Mrs. Anani, represented by the Provost of Edo State College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, Dr. Eghosa Esther Akangbe, said the poultry-focused initiative would promote sustainability and improve livelihoods.
“Empowering women in agriculture enables them to achieve increased sustainability. Poultry farming holds immense potential for economic growth and food security.
“By empowering women in this sector, we can create a ripple effect that benefits families, communities, and the state at large,” she said, urging stakeholders to collaborate with women to ensure the programme’s success.
Mrs. Anani also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration for raising the agriculture budget from ₦5.9bn to ₦17bn, describing it as a deliberate step to strengthen food production and empower women economically.
Earlier, the President of WIAN, Mrs. Debby Iserhienrhien, said the association’s maiden programme was designed to introduce women to livestock and poultry production as an additional income source.
She explained that the initiative would help women harness opportunities in backyard poultry farming, especially during the festive season.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Joy Irenosen Ihensekhien, praised Edo women farmers for their role in food security and economic stability, describing them as the backbone of the state’s economy.
She assured that the ministry would continue to advocate policies and provide resources to support women in agriculture.
Similarly, the State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Samuel Owoicho, represented by Mr. Elabor Abdulrasheed, pledged support for Edo women through training, services, and inputs, with particular attention to poultry farming once the ministry’s programmes are fully operational.
A representative of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, Mr. Gabriel Igbinosa, also lauded women’s growing participation in poultry farming, describing it as both timely and rewarding. He urged more women to key into the sector, noting its profitability even at small-scale levels.
The programme’s highlight was an interactive session on best practices in poultry farming, which provided participants with valuable insights and opportunities to engage with experts.
