Osun State First Lady Empowers Women Farmers

By Ayodele Oni

The First Lady of Osun State and the President of IleriOluwa Development Initiative (IOD-Initiative), Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, has encouraged women to go into farming to reduce high cost of food items.

She was speaking while unveiling the second phase of her Foundation’s Women in Agriculture empowerment scheme, during which day-chicks, Cocoa, Cashew, Sour Sop plants, and cassava stems were distributed to low-income female farmers in the rural communities of the State.

Mrs. Oyetola, disclosed that the second phase of the program had been delayed by the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in late 2019 through 2020.

She noted that the Foundation had been encouraged by the successes recorded from the first phase, whose beneficiaries gave testimonies at Tuesday’s program.

“The Program was designed to assist low-income female farmers periodically with necessary inputs that will enhance their productivity in the farms, increase their yields and ensure food security for their families.

“The first phase of this program was held in January, 2019. I am happy to report here that the beneficiaries in that phase reported back the tremendous positive impact of the IOD-Agricultural scheme intervention.”

She called on every woman to have at least small backyard farms which produce could support their families and help ensure food security.

“The agricultural sector has always been the main pillar for the sustenance of humanity. Here in Nigeria, the current food situation has made this more of a need for us.

“The prices of foodstuffs in our markets demand that we produce more food for our people. The situation has underscored the fact that there is no time better than now to return to the land. We must guarantee food security for our people.

“My fellow female farmers, I thank you for the steadfastness you have continued to put into the farming business despite the challenges.

“Your efforts have continued to contribute to the food chain in this State. Our intervention here today is to serve as the catalyst for select women who are in great need in their farming activities.”

She disclosed that the program had continued to be supported by Access Bank, Sterling Bank, Agrik Matas and some individual donors.