160 female agricultural workers from eight districts in Ogun State participated in the Value Chain Development Program, receiving a total of 480 chickens and 2,160 plant seedlings.
The objective is to increase food output throughout the state. The recipients originate from specific areas such as Odeda, Obafemi-Owode, Ifo, Odogbolu, Ijebu North-East, Yewa South, Yewa North, and Ijebu East Local Government Areas.
During the event hosted at the Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme’s office in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Commissioner Bolu Owotomo of Agriculture and Food Security underscored the initiative’s aim to enhance the economic status of female farmers and promote the overall welfare of the populace.
Represented by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, the Commissioner stressed the importance of supporting women in agriculture to yield positive impacts on both livelihoods and community well-being.
“Empowering women in agriculture with tools and resources is the way to go because of its impact in our deliberate moves to boost food production in the state and country at large.
“What we are doing today will not only boost household income but also increase the availability of eggs for consumption and reduce malnutrition, thereby improving nutrition, as well as building a healthier society.
“Our women’s commitment to agriculture and resilience are remarkable. You are the backbone of our rural economy and through your efforts, Ogun State will continue to achieve food security and economic prosperity.
“The initiative will increase household income, with the potential for families to produce more eggs to meet their nutritional needs, create the opportunity to sell surplus eggs, boost their overall well-being, as well as enable them to eat fresh, organic produce to ensure a better control of their diet with continuous access to animal protein in a sustainable manner”.
Temitope Ajisafe, VCDP Coordinator, highlighted the importance of empowering women in household nutrition to enhance productivity and create healthy families.
The program supports nursing mothers, youths, adults, and pregnant women with resources like chickens, feeds, and seedlings.
Ajisafe emphasized strict adherence to usage guidelines.
Victoria Shobande, Acting Programme Manager, noted the high nutritional value of distributed items like bananas and sweet potatoes, urging proper care.
Beneficiaries Olabiran and Olubaje, representing Ijebu East and Odeda Local Government Areas, expressed gratitude to the state government, promising effective utilization of resources to improve household nutrition.
