The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Federal Government and other critical stakeholders have launched a mobilisation campaign towards attracting 12 million young women in agriculture in Nigeria.
The initiative, Young Women in Agriculture (YWA), themed: “Enhancing the Economic Value of Nigerian Women through Agricultural Value Chain,” is a strategic intervention of the Read and Earn Federation for UNESCO (UNESCO REF), which is designed to empower women and youth, enabling them to contribute significantly to food production, economic stability, and national security.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in commemoration of the 2025 United Nations International Women’s Day in Abuja, UNESCO REF President and National Coordinator, Young Women in Agriculture, Prince Abdulsalami Ladigbolu, underscored the place of women and young girls as well as the pivotal role of agriculture in the attainment of sustainable economic growth for the country.
He explained that the project aims to ensure mobilisation of 12 million Nigerian women, 2 million per each of the six geopolitical zones of the Federation, to be able to contribute to food and nutrition security, mitigate national security threat through non-kinetic approach and promote economic growth through agribusiness.
The project duration is for four years (2024 to 2027) at the first instance that could be continued for additional three years (2028 to 2030).
On her part, the wife of the Inspector-General of Police and President of Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun said empowerment of women is not only a moral imperative but also an economic and social necessity for the nation’s progress.
Mrs. Egbetokun who is also the National Advocate for the UNESCO REF, Young Women in Agriculture, revealed that the pioneer beneficiaries of the programme would commence their training this month March 10, 2025 with an Institution in the United State of America.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
