The federal government, through the office of the senior special assistant to the president on Community Engagement, has launched the domestication of women’s economic empowerment (WEE) in Cross River state.
Senior Special Assistant to the President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement South-south, Hon Gift Johnbull in her remarks, during the launch, commended the presidency for approving the Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy.
She noted that it was a catalyst for optimal national development and economic growth which aims to unlock the full potential of approximately 50% of Nigeria’s mothers, sisters, and daughters and is about creating a comprehensive ecosystem for women’s economic participation in Climate-smart agriculture.
Her words: “Our goal is clear to produce enough not just to feed ourselves, but to nourish our nation and the whole of West Africa, all while empowering our women to be at the forefront of this transformation which are part of the elements of the WEE National Policy. Today, we will support the establishment of 25 new cooperatives and strengthen over 50 existing ones with an investment of 5 million naira.
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“This initiative will enable us to use these cooperatives as channels to provide inputs, fertilizers, and machinery, thereby enhancing the production of six locally grown food commodities across various LGAs in Cross River State. Our approach emphasizes Climate Smart Agriculture techniques to ensure sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. By doing so, we aim to boost local food production, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and contribute to environmental sustainability.”
In her keynote remarks, the Wife of the Governor of Cross River state, Rev. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu represented by Dr Mrs Comfort Oko, emphasized the need to go back to the soil to eliminate the biting hunger: “We have about 863 clusters in six commodities.
“In Cocoa, Cassava, Rice, Oil Palm, Maize and Aquaculture. More will come out from here. That Oil palm glory that Malaysia and Indonesia took from us is going to return soon,” She urged beneficiaries to make use of this empowerment for what it is meant for.
On his part, Johnson Ebokpo, the Commissioner for Agriculture in Cross River State, reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing agriculture as the main focus. He highlighted that the state faces topographical challenges, but they have introduced irrigation projects to address the issue and ensure adequate water supply to all areas.
Cross River State is one of the six states chosen for this 5-year project implemented in conjunction with the World Bank. The project aims to improve the livelihoods of women in targeted communities.