Jane Otu
DAILY COURIER – In a landmark initiative aimed at empowering women and driving economic growth, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has announced a strategic partnership with Atlanta, Georgia, to cultivate and export Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas plants. The announcement was made by the Honourable Minister, Barrister (Mrs.) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, during a two-day Capacity Building Workshop for Commissioners of Women Affairs in Abuja. The event was organized by the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development in collaboration with UN Women and the Canadian High Commission.
The partnership, unveiled on August 13, 2024, is designed to generate capital for small-scale women-owned businesses, alleviate poverty, and create job opportunities, while significantly contributing to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The initiative will see the cultivation and exportation of Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas plants, with the profits shared among participating women.
"The production and exportation of these medicinal plants will not only raise capital for women to run their businesses but also target poverty alleviation and job creation," said Barrister Kennedy-Ohanenye. She further disclosed that the Ministry has approached the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for land space in all dams for a period of seven years and is coordinating with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to secure the necessary dams for cultivation.
The Minister emphasized that this pioneering project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, which aims to foster a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria. "With the Ministry's dedication and the support of partners like Atlanta, this initiative is set to inspire a new generation of women entrepreneurs and contribute to a more prosperous Nigeria," she added.
In a related development, Kennedy-Ohanenye urged State Commissioners of Women Affairs to support the Ministry’s efforts by utilizing sustainable empowerment equipment, such as industrial sewing machines and processing machines for rice, garri, and cassava, which were previously distributed to 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). She stressed that these resources, if effectively used through recognized cooperative societies, could significantly transform the lives of women at the grassroots level.
The workshop also featured addresses from key stakeholders. Dr. Asabe Bashir, Director General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), called for concerted efforts by all levels of government to enable women to realize their full potential in line with global realities. She highlighted the importance of strengthening institutions and systems that support women’s empowerment and promoting gender-sensitive policies and programs.
UN Country Representative to Nigeria, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, represented by Mr. Zephaniah Aura, emphasized the need for increased funding for the Ministries of Women Affairs to enhance their coordination mandates. She encouraged women in various fields to utilize their leadership, advocacy, and lobbying skills to establish Resource Centres across all states, thereby ensuring greater sensitization and knowledge creation about the importance of occupying decision-making positions.
This groundbreaking initiative represents a significant step towards economic empowerment and gender equality in Nigeria, promising a brighter future for women and a stronger national economy.