A non-governmental organization (NGO), Ablegod Women Development Forum (AWDF), aims to provide jobs to about 77,000 women across the country through a nationwide agricultural training and empowerment programme.
About 2,000 women will be trained in each state, with 5,000 participating in Lagos.
This is in line with the call by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for women to take the lead in the campaign for food security and job creation.
Senator Tinubu, who recently unveiled his garden at the State House, encouraged first-time farmers to take part in the ‘Every Home A Garden’ competition.
Chairman, AWDF, Ambassador Okedeyi Olufunmilayo Gafal, speaking to journalists in Lagos, said the aim was to equip people with practical skills and knowledge in the agricultural sector, to create jobs and enable them to work in the same vital sector and contribute to society in the country’s quest to reduce poverty and promote better lives for women and men.
She said the matter would be raised at the launch of the Annual Ablegod Women Conference and Agricultural Training for Women to be held on September 28th this year at the Onyika Stadium, Lagos State.
She said, “We are poised to make a positive impact on the nation of Nigeria by giving hope to Nigerians through education in line with the 2024 renewed hope agenda.
“The education of women in agriculture will contribute significantly to their economic empowerment by enabling them to earn income through agricultural activities and job creation. This will help to alleviate poverty and improve their living conditions.
“Women play a key role in food production and security. Improving their agricultural skills will increase food production, ensure food security, and promote nutrition in their communities and the country.
“Providing equal access to agricultural training opportunities for women to promote gender equality and empower them to take on leadership roles in rural communities.”
Gafar stressed that the AbleGod team complements government efforts towards education development and inclusion in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We reiterate that the AWDF is committed to working and partnering with the government on unique targeted programs to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and most importantly, reduce poverty.
“Our doors are open to further collaboration of this kind because government alone cannot achieve nation-building, and therefore we must do all we can to assist the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in implementing its eight-point agenda to support it.
“We also want to use the opportunity to invite the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other leaders to be part of the event. Your presence at the conference would not only inspire the attendees but also demonstrate your commitment to women’s empowerment and agricultural development in Nigeria,” she said.
Also, the Lagos State AWDF Coordinator, Princess Olumowo Folashade, said the AWDF was established with the aim of providing in-depth training on financial management to marginalized women, empowering and equipping them with critical skills.
She added that the training is aimed at transforming women in the commerce and agriculture sectors.
Senator Tinubu recently called on women to participate in the #EveryHomeAGarden competition, which has a cash prize of 25 million naira.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the competition, which is open to women across Nigeria, is aimed at promoting smart gardening and improving community livelihoods.
