Edesili Anani Advocates for Agricultural Empowerment in Edo State
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By Adesuwa Ehimuan
In a bid to promote agriculture in Edo State, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani, has emphasized the need to empower women, describing them as the backbone of every home and society.
She made this statement while receiving Mr. John Omoruyi, Project Coordinator of the LIFE-ND Project, at her office in Government House, Benin City.
Mr. Omoruyi explained that the LIFE-ND Project aims to transform the rural economy, ensuring that all rural populations in the Niger Delta region benefit equally from agriculture. He highlighted the project’s core objectives, which include increasing income, enhancing food security, and creating sustainable jobs for rural youth and women through agribusiness development.
One of the project’s recent initiatives, Nutrition Mainstream in Uteh Community, Edo State, currently supports 40 women engaged in fish farming, fish marketing, and agricultural production. “We walk our talk,” Mr. Omoruyi added.
He further revealed that the project targets women, youth, and people with disabilities, aiming to reach approximately 20,000 beneficiaries across six states. With Edo State’s involvement, he expressed optimism that the state would not only sustain itself agriculturally but also contribute significantly to national food production.
In her response, Mrs. Anani reiterated the importance of agriculture, describing it as a key driver of economic growth.
“Agriculture is essential, and it should be our new focus. Edo State must be able to feed its people and even supply food to other states,” she said.
She stressed that empowering women and youth is crucial to building a better society.
“When we invest in women and young people, we create a sustainable future. Our youth will have opportunities for meaningful employment, reducing crime and social vices. If we fail to train and support them, we will face greater challenges in the future,” she concluded.
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