By Stellamaries Amuwa, Abuja
The FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) FCT Chapter have called on journalists to amplify the voices of women farmers, shedding light on their challenges, successes, and contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Speaking at the SheFarmer’s 1st anniversary and the national launch of the SheFarmers Livestock Project held on Thursday in Abuja, NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, emphasized the need for journalists to support stakeholders promoting women’s participation in agriculture. She stressed the importance of highlighting both their achievements and challenges in order to drive positive change.
“Women farmers play a vital role in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, yet their voices are often marginalized. As journalists, it is our responsibility to amplify their stories and advocate for their rights, starting here in the FCT,” said Comrade Ike.
Reiterating the call, the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang, urged journalists to focus on stories that spotlight the difficulties women farmers face, such as limited access to credit, land, and markets. She also underscored their innovations in agriculture, which serve as a guide for duty bearers and policymakers in ensuring food security within the FCT.
Speaking on the theme ‘Women Overcoming Challenges of Entrepreneurship and Food Security in Nigeria,’ Comrade Bassey commended the resilience of women and young girls who continue to thrive despite the hurdles of entrepreneurship. She noted that women entrepreneurs in Nigeria are making significant strides despite obstacles such as limited access to finance, markets, and technology.
“Women entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s agricultural sector face significant challenges, including restricted access to land, credit, and markets. Moreover, societal norms and cultural expectations often prioritize their roles as homemakers over their entrepreneurial aspirations,” she stated.
Despite these challenges, Comrade Bassey highlighted that women entrepreneurs continue to innovate and grow with the support of organizations focused on women’s empowerment. She commended the SheFarmer Project for its efforts in empowering thousands of women farmers through training programs, financial access, and market support, which have significantly improved their productivity and livelihoods.
NAWOJ FCT pledged to continue amplifying the voices of women farmers to promote gender equality, social justice, and sustainable agricultural development within the FCT and beyond.
In her keynote address, the Mandate Secretary, FCTA Women and Children Secretariat, Hon. Dayo Benjamin, outlined the various initiatives undertaken by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to support women. She assured women farmers in the FCT of the administration’s continued backing in all facets.
Additionally, the representative of the Head of Service FCT, Mrs. Jumai Ahmodu, pledged the Head of Service’s commitment to improving the welfare of women in the FCT.
In her goodwill message, the wife of the Ona of Abaji expressed her continued support for women’s empowerment through the SheFarmer Project.
Other dignitaries, including the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, the Ona of Abaji, Grand Patron Alhaji Aminu Saleh, representatives from ECOWAS, and the FCT Mandate Secretary on Agriculture, hailed the launch of the program and pledged their support.
Earlier in her welcome address, FCT Chairperson of SheFarmer, Dr. Maimuna Abdullahi Habib, detailed the organization’s activities and various successes achieved so far.
