By Promise Adagba
Stakeholders have urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize initiatives aimed at boosting food security and driving economic prosperity in Nigeria.
The call was made during a training session for women farmers in Ijebu North Local Government, focused on the Agric Food Value Chain and Non-Agric Sector. The training was organized by the Omo Ogun Women Support Initiative.
The initiative has been actively involved in strengthening the capabilities and involvement of women in the agricultural food value chain.
Various initiatives have been implemented to enhance women’s participation in market-oriented production and value addition. Additionally, efforts have been made to promote enterprise development, facilitate business-to-business connections, and improve access to finance for women farmers.
Speaking at the event, former Deputy Governor and Senator representing Ogun East (2011-2015), Sefiu Kaka, appealed to President Tinubu to direct his economic team to provide farmers with low-interest loans.
He emphasised that supporting small-scale farmers with financial assistance would help alleviate rural poverty and address food insecurity.
Kaka also advocated for grants to be provided to farmers in the form of agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, to enhance productivity and support rural livelihoods.
Chairing the event, Senator Lekan Mustapha (Ogun East, 2019-2023), called on the Federal Government to lend support to women in agriculture.
He stressed the importance of encouraging and supporting women-oriented economic recovery projects and activities, such as those promoted by the Omo Ogun Women group.
The training, held in honour of the group’s patron, was attended by Abolaji Odusanya, the Chair of Ijebu North Local Government, who pledged to collaborate with the group on its various programs.
Chief Ibilola Solaja, recognized as the Mother of the day, urged leaders across all sectors in Ogun State to unite in supporting the initiatives of the Omo Ogun Women Support Initiative.