The Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises, Niger-Delta LIFE-ND in Abia state has joined the international agro community to celebrate the International Year of The Woman Farmer (IYWF), an event declared by the United Nations (UN) to spotlight the essential roles women play across the agrifood systems around the world.
To support the UN stands that women in the agro sector are often unrecognized, the Abia LIFE-ND celebrated the women in agri-food business in Abia state in a grand style.
The event was celebrated on Friday in Umuahia, Abia state Capital.
The event had women who have excelled in agri-business and starters in the sector. The event also had exhibition of farm produce and environmental friendly biogas invention.
PHOTO: Inspection of Agro products.
PHOTO: Biogas equipment produced by Abia LIFE-ND.
In a speech delivered by the acting State Project Coordinator (SPC), Azubuike Ogbonna Azubuike, he emphasized that the day is not just about celebrating women farmers but a day to recognize their invaluable contributions, amplifying their voices, showcasing their achievements and create opportunities for them to grow and thrive.
PHOTO: Azubuike Ogbonna Azubuike, Abia LIFE-ND Acting State Project Coordinator (SPC)
Azubuike noted that across Abia State, women play critical roles in agri-food production and processing as well as involved in agri-businesses that is creating employment and supporting household nutrition, providing leadership in their community Farmer organizations.
Azubuike added that the LIFE-ND project in Abia state has impacted lives through the LIFE-ND project.
“We have recorded remarkable transformations to many women progressing from small scale Agricultural activities by training more confident skilled and established business entrepreneurs.
“This celebration therefore creates an important platform to share these experiences and learn from one another, celebrate achievements and identity what more is needed to be done to strengthen participation and prosperity of women in Agriculture.” Azubuike said.
Dr. Lois Nwanga, the guest speaker of the event expressed excitment about the dedication of the incubatees and incubators of the project and urged them to continue to be more focused. She also maintained that women all over the world has proved that they can do better in various endeavour if given the opportunity.
PHOTO: Dr. Lois Nwanga, Guest Speaker.
Mrs. Angela Nwosu, who represented Engineer Luke, the programmes manager of the Agricultural Development Progamme (ADP) in Abia state described women as the backbone of Agriculture and food security in Nigeria, emphazing that women make up to 70% of farmers in Nigeria and produce up to 80% of the food basket of the country.
”Without woman there will be no food on the table.” Engineer Luke said.
PHOTO: Mrs. Angela Nwosu, who represented Engineer Luke, the programmes manager of the Agricultural Development Progamme (ADP) in Abia state.
Grace Okafor, a beneficiary of LIFE-ND Project who rose from an incubatee to a consultant also graced the occasion. Okafor was trained on ICT 4-D agri-tech. She said the training from Abia LIFE-ND gave her the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia for the first time where she was awarded the best participant.
PHOTO: Grace Okafor, a beneficiary of LIFE-ND and Presently a consultant.
“My part would have just been soil science, but that background gave me a switch or a diversion. The world operates now more on technology. Through what I learnt, I have been able to establish my own agri-tech company and I also work remotely for a company outside this country all because of what I learnt from LIFE-ND. I can’t talk about my life history without mentioning LIFE-ND”. Grace said.
Mrs. Adline Chima, the CEO Ukad Ventures who was trained on oil palm production also testified on how LIFE-ND training has transformed her life.
PHOTO: Mrs. Adline Chima, the CEO Ukad Ventures.
“As LIFE-ND gave me that bulk of money in addition to the one received from another source, I had to hit the ground running. I started palm oil processing and expanded it to marketing and I’m also into cassava production and processing business.
“If you take me to the lab now, what you will see is the blood of the lord and that of LIFE-ND and everything about me has become LIFE-ND.” Mrs. Adline said.
Adline encouraged all incubatees in the LIFE-ND project to be committed and focused during their training and never to take any opportunity with LIFE-ND for granted.
Eight of the women in attendance were awarded for outstanding contributions to production and development of agriculture in Abia state.
The event climaxed with exhibition of farm produce and other innovations.
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