A total of 160 women farmers from eight local government areas in Ogun State, under the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), received 480 chickens and 2,160 garden seedlings on Tuesday to enhance food production across the state.
The beneficiaries were selected from Odeda, Obafemi-Owode, Ifo, Odogbolu, Ijebu North-East, Yewa South, Yewa North, and Ijebu East Local Government Areas.
Speaking at the event held at the Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP) office in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, noted that the initiative aims to improve the livelihood of women farmers and overall well-being in the state.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, the Commissioner stated, “Empowering women in agriculture with essential tools and resources is a crucial step in boosting food production in Ogun and the country as a whole.
“This initiative will not only enhance household incomes but also increase egg availability, combat malnutrition, and promote better nutrition, fostering a healthier society.”
Owotomo emphasized the vital role of women in agriculture, describing them as the backbone of the rural economy, and credited their efforts in driving food security and economic progress in the state.
“The programme will help households generate income, produce eggs to meet nutritional needs, sell surpluses for extra earnings, and access fresh organic produce, ensuring consistent intake of animal protein for a healthier diet,” he added.
The VCDP Coordinator, Temitope Ajisafe, highlighted the importance of empowering women, particularly in improving household nutrition, which she said would enhance productivity and family health.
Ajisafe noted that the beneficiaries included nursing mothers, young adults, and pregnant women. She explained that each beneficiary received three chickens, poultry feeds, various garden seedlings, and fertilisers while urging them to follow usage instructions carefully.
The Acting Programme Manager of OGADEP, Mrs. Victoria Shobande, stated that the distributed items, including banana, orange, and sweet brown potato seedlings, were chosen for their significant nutritional benefits. She encouraged recipients to nurture them properly for maximum impact.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Oluwafemi Olabiran from Ijebu East and Mrs. Barakat Olubaje from Odeda Local Government Areas expressed gratitude to the state government. They assured that the items would be effectively utilized to enhance household nutrition and well-being.
