Socialization Workshop on Women Economic Empowerment Policy (WEE) and Project Launch
By Dave Ikiedei Asei
24/08/2024
The Women Economic Empowerment Policy (WEE) and the launch of Project "Earn from the Soil" in Bayelsa State marked a significant milestone today, bringing together female farmers, producers, processors, marketers, and various stakeholders from the agricultural sector. Organized by the Nigerian Women in Agricultural Business Cooperative Society Limited (NiWAB) in collaboration with the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South-South, the workshop aimed to empower women in agriculture and foster economic development in the region.
The event, held at the Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Center in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was graced by Hon. Gift Johnbull, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South-South. In her keynote address, Hon. Johnbull articulated President Bola Tinubu’s vision for renewing hope and increasing opportunities for women, particularly those involved in agriculture. She emphasized the President’s commitment to supporting female farmers through cooperative formations, which would enable them to access vital resources and financial support from the federal government and banking institutions.
Highlighting the importance of collective efforts, Hon. Johnbull urged the women to seize this unique opportunity provided by the administration, emphasizing that forming cooperatives would not only secure the necessary support but also play a crucial role in advancing agricultural development across Bayelsa State and the broader South-South region.
Hon. Ebimotimi Paulson Leghemo (Coordinator, AFAN, Bayelsa State)
In a motivating speech, Hon. Ebimotimi Paulson Leghemo, the Coordinator of the Bayelsa State All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), encouraged female farmers to fully engage in farming activities, underlining that agriculture remains one of the most lucrative sectors globally. Drawing from her experience as a practicing farmer, Hon. Leghemo inspired the women to follow her example and capitalize on the agricultural potential in Bayelsa State.
The workshop had clear objectives aimed at promoting the WEE Policy among regional stakeholders, enhancing collaboration between state governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), key ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as female agropreneurs. Additionally, it sought to identify region-specific challenges and opportunities, and to develop actionable plans tailored to the unique socio-economic context of Bayelsa State.
A notable feature of the event was a panel discussion that brought together representatives from various organizations to discuss the pivotal role of women in agriculture and the importance of cooperative societies as a vehicle to achieve desired outcomes. The panel included representatives from:
.Nexim Bank
.Zenith Bank
.Rural Electrification Agency
Bayelsa State Cooperative Society
Izon Micro Finance Bank, Bayelsa State
Each panelist shared insights on the opportunities available to Bayelsa farmers, particularly the financial support offered by the Federal Government, Nexim Bank, Zenith Bank, and other organizations. They collectively encouraged the women to register more cooperatives, emphasizing the availability of financial resources to boost local food production and enhance the agricultural value chain. The discussion also highlighted the potential for export opportunities, urging the farmers to add value to their agricultural products to meet international standards.
The workshop’s focus on fostering collaboration and providing practical solutions to the challenges faced by women in agriculture reflects a broader commitment to sustainable economic empowerment in Bayelsa State. The launch of Project "Earn from the Soil" serves as a strategic initiative aimed at harnessing the agricultural potential of the region, empowering women to become key players in the sector, and ultimately contributing to the state's economic growth.
In conclusion, the workshop underscored the significant role that women play in agriculture and the importance of cooperative societies in driving development. With the support of the federal government and financial institutions, Bayelsa’s female farmers are poised to take advantage of the opportunities presented, thereby ensuring food security and economic prosperity for themselves and their communities
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