The Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs has announced a strategic partnership with Atlanta, Georgia, to cultivate and export Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas plants.
The groundbreaking move was unveiled by the Minister, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, at a two-day Capacity Building Workshop for Commissioners of Women Affairs, organized by the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development in collaboration with UN Women and the Canadian High Commission in Abuja.
The initiative, spearheaded by the minister, seeks to raise capital for small-scale women-owned businesses, alleviate poverty, and create job opportunities, while simultaneously contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
The partnership will focus on the production and exportation of Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas, with an emphasis on enabling women to manage their small-scale enterprises effectively.
“We are excited about this partnership, which will not only provide women with the means to run their businesses but also significantly contribute to poverty alleviation and job creation,” the minister said.
She added that the medicinal plants will be cultivated in designated dams, with profits shared among participants.
According to her, the Ministry has requested the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for a seven-year land allocation in these dams and is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to facilitate the cultivation of the plants.
”This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aiming to inspire a new wave of women entrepreneurs and boost Nigeria’s economy,” she noted.
In addition to the initiative, the Minister called on State Commissioners of Women’s Affairs to actively utilize the sustainable empowerment equipment distributed earlier, such as industrial sewing machines and processing machines for rice, garri, and cassava.
She emphasized that effective use of this equipment through cooperative societies could greatly improve the lives of women across the States.
Kennedy-Ohanenye also praised UN Women for its ongoing commitment to gender equality and noted that the workshop would further educate women on the importance of increasing their representation in governance and decision-making positions.
Dr Asabe Bashir, Director General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, welcomed the initiative and urged governments at all levels to support women in realizing their full potential.
She highlighted the need for strengthened institutions and gender-sensitive policies to promote women’s empowerment.
On her part, UN Country Representative to Nigeria, Ms Beatrice Eyong, represented by Mr Zephaniah Aura, stressed the importance of increased funding for Ministries of Women Affairs and the establishment of Resource Centres in all States to enhance women’s participation in decision-making roles.
In a related development, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, has shared insights into the advancement of gender equality in the country.
Speaking at the UN Women Nigeria Media Forum 2024 held in Abuja, Eyong revealed that 22 per cent of decision-making positions in the private sector are now held by women, signifying progress in this area.
She emphasized sensitizing the citizenry on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
