In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering women and driving economic growth, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has announced a strategic partnership with Atlanta, Georgia. This collaboration will focus on the cultivation and exportation of Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas, marking a significant step towards elevating small-scale women-owned businesses and contributing to Nigeria’s economic development.
The Honourable Minister, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, revealed this development today during a 2-day Capacity Building Workshop for Commissioners of Women Affairs. The workshop was organized by the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, in partnership with UN Women and the Canadian High Commission in Abuja.
In her address, Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized that the partnership with Atlanta will facilitate the production and export of Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas plants. This initiative is designed to raise capital for women entrepreneurs, alleviate poverty, and create job opportunities, ultimately boosting Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The medicinal plants will be cultivated in designated dams, with profits from the venture to be shared among participants.
To support this initiative, the Ministry has requested the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for land allocation in all dams for a seven-year period. The Ministry is also working with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to secure the necessary dam sites for cultivation.
“This pioneering project signifies a brighter future for Nigerian women,” stated the Minister. “By leveraging the potential of Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas, we anticipate a notable reduction in poverty, enhanced women’s empowerment, and a significant boost to our national economy.”
The Ministry’s efforts also include a call to State Commissioners of Women Affairs to maximize the use of sustainable empowerment equipment previously distributed. This includes industrial sewing machines, rice, garri, and cassava processing machines. The Minister urged the Commissioners to deploy these resources through cooperative societies to transform the lives of women across the 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye also commended UN Women for its unwavering support for gender equality and highlighted the workshop’s role in advancing women’s participation in governance and decision-making positions.
In her welcome address, Dr. Asabe Bashir, Director General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), called for collective efforts from all levels of government to help women realize their full potential in alignment with global standards. She stressed the importance of strengthening institutions and promoting gender-sensitive policies and programs.
UN Country Representative to Nigeria, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, represented by Mr. Zephaniah Aura, underscored the need for increased funding to the Ministries of Women Affairs to enhance their coordination and mandate. She urged gender advocates to use their leadership and advocacy skills to establish Resource Centres in all states, ensuring greater sensitization and knowledge creation on the importance of women in decision-making roles.
This collaborative effort highlights the Ministry’s commitment to transforming women’s lives through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, reflecting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration.
