30/08/2025
Anani Highlights Significance of Women Agricultural Empowerment, Calls for Stakeholder's Collaboration
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has highlighted the significance of empowering women in agriculture, particularly livestock farming, for economic growth and food security. At the "This Season Initiative (Take Action)" programme organized by Women in Agriculture Network (WIAN), aimed at preparing women for the festive season and beyond, which held at the ADP Agricultural Hub, Oko Ogba, Airport Road, Benin City, Mrs. Anani, who was represented by the Provost, Edo State College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, Dr. Eghosa Esther Akangbe, noted that the poultry-focused initiative would have a positive impact on the community and beyond, promoting sustainability through women's empowerment in agriculture.
According to her, "Empowering women in agricultural business enables them to achieve increased sustainability. Today we embark on this season's initiative with the theme "Take Action", focusing on equipping our women for the festive season and beyond. This focal point is livestock, particularly the poultry, a sector that holds immense potential for economic growth and food security. Poultry farming is strategic, giving its potential for economic growth and food security.
"We believe that by empowering women in this sector we can create a ripple effect that benefits our entire community and beyond. Let's empower women to take charge of their economic destiny, increase food security, improve food availability and accessibility. I urge all stakeholders to join hands with women to make this initiative a success and a reality."
She further commended Senator Monday Okpebholo's administration for increasing the Agriculture Budget from ₦5.9bn to ₦17bn, urging stakeholders to support a poultry farming initiative, emphasizing its potential to boost food security and empower women economically.
The President of Women in Agriculture Network (WIAN), Mrs. Debby Iserhienrhien, in her remarks, stated that the Association's inaugural programme, centered on livestock and poultry production, aimed to empower women with a supplementary income-generating opportunity beyond their regular endeavours. In her words, "This is actually our maiden programme of the Women in Agriculture Network, and we think it necessary, that it is important that we put a handful of women together to actually harness the opportunity that is embedded in this season's initiative 2025, which is actually, the focal point.
It has to do with livestock, animal husbandry and special focus on poultry production, broiler production. It was actually born out of a side hustle for women to enable them to go into other things, especially like the popularly known backyard farming that allows women to engage in other things apart from their normal scheduled work.
"The Women in Agriculture Network think it necessary that putting up this programme can help build capacity, increase growth in our women and harness the potentials that are embedded in this season, especially during the festive season. We know that, with it, we can build capacity in our women and that can enhance growth and sustainability".
On her part, The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Joy Irenosen Ihensekhien, praised
Edo women farmers for contributing to food security and economic stability, acknowledging them as entrepreneurs and the backbone of the State's economy.
She further reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to supporting the women with policies, resources and advocacy for economic empowerment and prosperity.
"The Ministry sees you, appreciates you, and is committed to championing your cause. This initiative is a powerful demonstration of what we can achieve when we align purpose with season. The festive period presents a golden window of opportunity.
By preparing now, by optimizing feed, enhancing animal health, understanding market dynamics and adopting best practice, you are not just farming, you are building wealth and securing the prosperity of your families and communities. This is the very essence of economic empowerment. The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development stands in solidarity with you.
We are committed to advocating for policies that grant you greater access to land, credit facilities, modern farming inputs, and extension services. We will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure that the unique challenges you face are addressed and your phenomenal contributions are recognized and rewarded. I charge every one of you to absorb the knowledge shared here today". She added.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Samuel Owoicho, represented by Mr. Elabor Abdulrasheed, commended Edo State women for their leadership in the livestock sector, particularly in poultry farming, revealing their Office's plans to support women in agriculture with outputs, training, and services, with special consideration for poultry development, once fully operational.
A representative of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, Mr. Gabriel Igbinosa, described Edo women's involvement in poultry farming as both timely and beneficial, urging women who have not yet started to seize the opportunity, while suggesting that even small-scale, backyard initiatives can be profitable. Mr. Igbinosa highlighted that poultry farming offers a steady source of protein and income, thereby supporting individuals, families, communities and the State.
The programme's highlight was an informative discussion on best practices in poultry farming, providing participants with valuable insights and opportunities to engage with experts and address their questions.
Gloria Osemudiamhen
Public Relations Officer
Office of the First Lady
Edo State
PHOTO CAPTION
Front Row (middle): The Provost, Edo College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, Dr. Eghosa Esther Akangbe; 6th left: the representative from the Federal Ministery of Livestock Development, Mr. Elabor Abdulrasheed; 5th Right: the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Joy Irenosen Ihensekhien; 3rd Right: the President, Women in Agriculture Network, Mrs. Debby Iserhienrhien and other stakeholders at the "This Season Initiative (Take Action)" Programme held at, ADP Agric Hub, Oko Ogba - Airport Road in Benin City.
