The call for women’s empowerment in agriculture took center stage at the “This Season Initiative (Take Action)” programme organized by the Women in Agriculture Network (WIAN) at the ADP Agricultural Hub, Oko Ogba, Airport Road, Benin City.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, emphasized the role of women in driving food security and economic growth through livestock farming, particularly poultry production. Represented by Dr. Eghosa Esther Akangbe, Provost of Edo State College of Agriculture, she explained that poultry remains a vital pathway to sustainable empowerment.
“By equipping women with the right tools and support in poultry farming, we are not only strengthening families but also ensuring food availability and community development,” she said, urging government, institutions, and private stakeholders to collaborate with women to make the initiative a reality.
She further commended Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration for significantly raising the state’s agricultural budget from ₦5.9 billion to ₦17 billion, describing it as a step toward greater investment in food security and women’s empowerment.
The President of WIAN, Mrs. Debby Iserhienrhien, described the programme as the group’s maiden initiative focused on livestock and poultry production, noting that poultry farming could serve as a supplementary source of income for women, particularly through small-scale and backyard ventures.
Also addressing participants, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Joy Irenosen Ihensekhien, applauded Edo women farmers for their resilience, describing them as “the backbone of the state’s economy.” She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting women with policies, access to credit, land, and modern farming inputs.
The State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, represented by Mr. Elabor Abdulrasheed, pledged federal support in training and services for poultry development, while the Poultry Association of Nigeria’s Edo Chapter urged more women to explore poultry as a sustainable source of food and income.
The event featured an interactive session on best practices in poultry production, providing women with insights into animal health, market opportunities, and long-term sustainability in agribusiness.
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