The federal government has urged the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON) to re-strategise their focus by prioritising national interest and agriculture value chains to strengthen food security and economic development of the country.
The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Hajiya Mariya Mahmud, made the plea yesterday in Abuja at the Advocacy Forum of SWOFON and Action Aid Nigeria (AAN).
The event also witnessed the election of new national officers of the organisation with Hajiya Fatima Gumi, from Sokoto State, emerging the new SWOFON President, taking over from Mrs Mary Afan, who was elected the new ex-Officio of the organisation.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our society, providing food, employment and economic stability. Women have played a pivotal role in this sector throughout history, yet their contributions have often gone unrecognised or undervalued.
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“Studies have shown that when women are given the right opportunities and access to resources, agricultural productivity increases significantly. In the FCT, we have seen women working hard in their farms to support their spouses in not only providing the basic needs of their families but to food security and rural development,” Hajiya Mahmud, represented by the acting Secretary, Agric Development, FCDA, Alhaji Ishaq Abubakar Sadeeq said.
The newly appointed Country Director of AAN, Mr Andrew Mamedu, challenged the new national SWOFON executives, to maintain their value and prioritise their integrity to be at the forefront of making Nigeria a country of food security and economic development.
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