The Federal Government of Nigeria has partnered with the City of Atlanta in the United States to cultivate and export Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas. This initiative, led by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, aims to empower small-scale women-owned businesses, alleviate poverty, and create job opportunities in Nigeria.
The announcement was made during a two-day capacity-building workshop for Commissioners of Women Affairs, organized by the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development in collaboration with UN Women and the Canadian High Commission in Abuja. Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized that the project would significantly contribute to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while promoting women’s empowerment.
To facilitate this initiative, the Ministry has requested land space in all the dams for a duration of seven years, allowing women to engage in the cultivation of these plants. The Ministry is also working with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to ensure the availability of dams for this purpose.
Kennedy-Ohanenye stated, “As the Ministry of Women’s Affairs embarks on this pioneering project, a brighter future unfolds for Nigerian women. By harnessing the potential of Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas, the country is poised to witness a significant reduction in poverty and a surge in women’s empowerment.”
The cultivation of these medicinal plants will take place in designated dams, with profits shared among participants. This approach not only aims to improve the economic status of women but also to foster a sense of community and collaboration among them.
The sunflower and jatropha initiative, the minister urged State Commissioners of Women Affairs to utilize sustainable empowerment equipment previously distributed to grassroots women. This equipment includes industrial sewing machines and processing machines for rice, garri, and cassava. Kennedy-Ohanenye highlighted that utilizing these resources through recognized cooperative societies would greatly enhance the lives of women across the states.
Dr. Asabe Bashir, the Director General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, called for concerted efforts from all levels of government to help women realize their full potential. She stressed the importance of strengthening institutions and systems that support women’s empowerment and promoting gender-sensitive policies.
Furthermore, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, the UN Country Representative to Nigeria, emphasized the need for increased funding for the Ministries of Women Affairs to enhance their coordination efforts. She encouraged women in various fields to leverage their leadership and advocacy skills to establish Resource Centres across Nigeria, which would facilitate sensitization and knowledge creation regarding women’s representation in decision-making positions.
This partnership between the Nigerian government and Atlanta marks a significant step towards empowering women and fostering economic growth through sustainable agricultural practices. By focusing on Sunflower and Jatropha cultivation, the initiative aims to create a lasting impact on the lives of women and contribute positively to Nigeria’s economy.
