In a collaborative effort, the Federal Government, in partnership with the City of Atlanta in the United States, is set to cultivate and export Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas, as announced by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
The initiative, led by Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, aims to raise capital for small-scale women-owned businesses, alleviate poverty, create job opportunities, and contribute to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, as per a statement released by Grace Njoku, the Ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations.
During a two-day capacity-building workshop for Commissioners of Women Affairs, organized by the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development in collaboration with UN Women and the Canadian High Commission in Abuja, the Minister revealed the plans.
Discussing the project, Kennedy-Ohanenye mentioned that the Ministry has requested land space in all the dams for seven years from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to enable women to embark on the cultivation project, and is in talks with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to secure dams for this purpose.
The Minister expressed optimism about the positive impact this project will have on Nigerian women by harnessing the potential of Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas, projecting a reduction in poverty, increased empowerment of women, and a boost to the national economy.
Additionally, the Minister urged State Commissioners of Women Affairs to support grassroots women by utilizing empowerment equipment provided earlier, such as industrial sewing machines and processing machines for rice, garri, and cassava.
Dr. Asabe Bashir, the Director General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, emphasized the need for governments to empower women to reach their full potential through institutional support and gender-sensitive policies.
UN Country Representative to Nigeria, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, represented by Mr. Zephaniah Aura, called for increased funding for the Ministries of Women Affairs to enhance their coordination mandate and encouraged women to use their skills for leadership and advocacy in establishing Resource Centres nationwide.