By Gloria Osemudiamhen
The Edo State Government through the Office of the First Lady, has hosted a stakeholders’ meeting as part of preparations for the forthcoming Agricultural Empowerment Programme for women, youths, and children, aimed at driving the initiative’s success.
Speaking during a meeting, which held at the Government House in Benin City, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, emphasized the importance of encouraging children, youths, and especially women in farming. She presented a detailed plan of activities to include the children’s segment involving kitting them up with farmers’ uniforms, providing seedlings for them to plant, and conducting regular inspections of what they have planted. The best performers will receive prizes with the ultimate goal of promoting the initiative, “From garden to table.”
The women’s segment themed “Every Home a Garden” initiative, involves women planting crops inside sacs and buckets in their homes with provided seedlings. Additionally, they will receive support for poultry farming, including day-old chicks, farming equipment, and cash empowerment.
Stakeholders from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the All Farmers’ Association contributed valuable suggestions on facilitators, crop selection, and seedlings; expressing their eagerness to collaborate with the Office of the First Lady to ensure success of the Programme.
