The Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, has promised to provide infrastructure and farm inputs for women farmers in order to boost agricultural production in the state.
Gov. Amosun who was represented by his Special Adviser on Agriculture, Barr Olayinka Odufuwa at the launch of Women in Agricultural Advancement and Sustainability in Africa Initiative (WAASA) in Abeokuta, said women constitute two-third of the agricultural workforce but are not recognized because they are not directly involved in policies making.
The governor urged more women to participate in agriculture as it is not capital intensive. He also promised a continuous support for the sector.
While speaking at the event, the National Coordinator Nigeria Rebirth Project, Com. Isaac Balami who was duly represented by Mr. Samson Adam Paul, urged farmers to develop creative control as a way of re-defining agriculture. He noted that the major challenge facing agriculture in Africa is its definition, adding that farmers should be seen as more than just food producers but also as cloth, health and shelter producers.
In his remarks, the Ogun State Liason Officer, Agro-Allied CCEMU, Mr. Fola Omokayode urged the government to restructure the National Youth Service Corps towards agriculture by making corps members observe their primary duties in farms.
Speaking on the role of financial institution in supporting agriculture, the Group Head Agriculture, Sterling Bank, Bukola Awosanya said a business must be bankable for loans to be made available by banks. She thereby added that women should be innovative, creative and passionate as they embark in agriculture. She assures them of adequate support from her financial institution, if needed.
The Executive Director, AgroNigeria, Mrs Idongesit Mbaram, in her speech noted that there is a need for all-inclusive policies which would accommodate the interest of all stakeholders in agriculture irrespective of their sex affiliation.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Founder, WAASA, Chioma Tolani Roberts said the organization looks forward to achieving a Nigeria where women farmers will drive their own agenda involve in policy making and planning process at all levels.
