11th March, 2018
Hon. Muyiwa Oladipo, the Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Council of Kwara, has called on Nigerian women to be reputable agents, collaborators and investors in transforming the agriculture sector.
Oladipo made the call at a thanksgiving service to mark the International Women’s Day on Sunday in Omu-Aran.
The council boss said agriculture remains a veritable platform for achieving the desired economic diversification envisioned for the country.
He said the advent of new innovations and technological breakthrough in farming had made agricultural practice easier and profitable.
Oladipo said the situation whereby farming was being categorised as a business for males could be a stumbling block to government’s effort at transforming the sector.
He maintained that the role of women as home managers and mothers of the nation could not be over emphasised.
According to him, only the collective responsibility of stakeholders could promote the desired development in the agriculture sector.
He stressed the need for government at all levels to strive to encourage more young women, especially in tertiary institutions, to embrace agriculture as a course and profession.
“Nigeria has had its share of the dwindling economic fortunes in the globe and needs to embrace agriculture to fight poverty, hunger and unemployment.
“ Gone are the days when agriculture is regarded as the exclusive profession for men. Nigerian women nowadays have also proven to be versatile in every sector of the nation’s economy.
“So it is in the spirit of this unique season that I am calling on Nigerian women to be actively involved and engaged in promoting and practicing agriculture as a catalyst for sustainable development,” Oladipo said.
Similarly, Mrs Nimota Bello, Special Assistant to the Council Chairman on Women Affairs, urged women to continue to be reputable agents of change in agriculture
She said women, irrespective of their ethno-religious or political affiliation, have specific roles in promoting the change mantra being championed by the present administration.
Bello said the council’s administration was in the process of carrying out data capturing of women farmers in the council for easy collaboration and assistance.
“There is the need for more women to register as practising farmers for them to be able benefit from the series of palliatives and incentives available in the sector.
“Nigerian women have really come of age and this is the sure and veritable platform for them to contribute their quota to the nation’s growth, progress and development,” she said.