By Edwin Philip
United Nations has commended the Nigerian government, for the launching of an agriculture project aimed at empowering 12 million young women in agriculture.
They made this known at the official national flag-off of the 12 million Young Women in Agriculture Champions in Nigeria which was held in commemoration of the United Nations 2025 International Women’s Day, with the theme “Enhancing Economic Value of Nigeria Women Through Agricultural Value Chain.
The event, took place at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development in Abuja.
In an address, Mohamed Malick Fall, the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, commended the Nigerian government on the launch of the 12 million Young Women in Agriculture, while emphasizing the importance of empowering Nigerian women in agriculture to drive sustainable development and economic growth.
Speaking at the National Flag Off Mobilization Campaign for the 12 million Young Nigerian Women into the UNESCO Rep Young Women in Agriculture, Fall, who was represented by Kimairis Toogood of United Nations peace and Development advisor, said in a speech she delivered, highlighted the significant role women play in agriculture and food production”.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economies, ensuring food and nutrition security and fostering sustainable development,” Fall said. “Women are vital to this sector, contributing to crop production, food processing, poultry, and livestock production, among others.”
However, the UN representative noted that women’s involvement in agriculture is hindered by various challenges, including limited access to resources, financial constraints, limited market access, social and cultural norms, and gender-based discriminations, stated that to address these challenges emphasized the need for targeted interventions and policies that promote gender equality and empowerment of women in agriculture.
He encouraged the young women embarking on this journey to embrace the opportunity, knowing they have the full support of the United Nations and the international community.
On her part, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Maryam Ismail, in a keynote address emphasized the transformative potential of the project, she urged Nigerian women to embrace the initiative, which is expected to be implemented across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
Other a keynote speakers address Deputy Secretary -General of the Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, among other speakers, the event which brought together wives of paliamilitary service officers, other dignitaries.
Speaking to journalist shortly after the event, the wife of Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Police command and chairperson of Police Officers Wives Association, (POWA) and the Chairperson of POWA, Anambra State Chapter, Lady Garabe Uzonna Emmanuela, encouraged women to join the program and make agriculture a success.
The project’s specific objectives includes developing a strategic approach to enhancing economic diversification, strengthening the capacity of youths and women, and promoting national security through non-kinetic approaches.
The initiative is also aimed at achieving zero hunger in Nigeria.