A non-governmental group, Nigerian Women For Agricultural Progressive Development(NWAPDI), which aims at boosting food production and women participation in the agro sector, has been launched in Rivers State.
The group’s state executives and local government government areas coordinators were on Tuesday inaugurated by its National Coordinator, Farmer Omolara Svenson at the Rock Brick Hotels and Suites along Ada-George in Port Harcourt. At the inauguration she charged them to be proactive and help sensitize the grassroots.
Mrs. Sevenson said she was impressed that few months after the launch of the national body, Rivers State took a cue and is poised to spread the vision and objectives of the body.
She expressed optimism that with the zeal so far displayed, the agricultural sector is expected to get a boost from the womenfolk. “We need to change the narrative and sensitize our rural women to participate more in agriculture,” she told the officials.
The National Coordinator thanked the members for being part of the vision of the initiative, which is part of an evolving history in Nigeria, as women in both urban and rural areas are being mobilised for greater participation in agriculture.
Also,speaking the South-South Zonal Coordinator, Farmer Queen Babalora, who also spoke virtually congratulated and welcomed all members on board NWAPDI, which will bring succour to women farmers in the state.
In her remarks, the North Central Coordinator, Farmer Harirat Yakubu Suleimon, who also spoke virtually, congratulated Rivers Chapter on their inauguration, and advised members to see NWAPDI as an avenue to enhance food availability all year round in our nation.
She urged members to ensure unity of purpose as that is the only way to guarantee success and achieve the goals of the organisation.
On her part, Rivers State Coordinator of NWAPDI, Barrister Ngozi Ajayi said the inauguration of the state executives and local government ward coordinators was a sign that the body has come to stay and is poised to lead women in the agric sector.
“As you can see the body is made up of lawyers, lecturers, teachers, and women in different sectors.The essence is to call attention on the need for women to collaborate together so their voices will be heard,” Ajayi said.
She furtherstatedthat, “women are the major backbone in the agric sector, and if their efforts are harnessed to impact on the nation’s food production, their impact can go far.”
With NWADI on board, she expressed optimism that the plight of women farmers will be reduced, such that all government and international support will get to the grassroots.
Assistant State Coordinator of the body, Mrs Nneka Bissong, said the inauguration exceeded expectations. “What we have witnessed today shows women are ready to take over. Whether you’re a doctor, lawyer, or teacher, we need to be involved in food production, and that is what NWADI is all about.”
Bissong said the next step is for the LG and Ward coordinators to live up to the billing of sensitizing rural women in order to boost food production.
Coordinator for Okrika LGA, Prof. Nene Jamabo in her contribution said she was impressed and ready to contribute her quota. “We are going back to our various LGAs to do the needful. Every woman needs to be involved in this project”, she declared.
Prof. Jamabo noted that “women are more active in farming, but are not given the necessary support and encouragement, a situation she says needs to be changed to boost food production in the country.”
In the same light, LG Coordinator for Port Harcourt City LGA, Angela Ohaka, said there is a need to embrace galvanised farming in the cities.
” We need to be creative by using all available space in our compound to grow vegetables , breed poultry, and other livestock’s, and this will reduce food shortage now ravaging the country.”.
Public Relations Officer of the body, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo said NWADI has come to stay. “What we are advocating is food sufficiency in the nation. We intend to take this campaign to the rural areas, and we want more women involved in this campaign”, she said.
The inaugurated state executives include Nneka Barilee Bissong-Assistant State Coordinator, Ifeoma Azoro- Secretary; Rita Ababo- Treasurer and Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo-Public Relations Officer.
The LGA Coordinators also include, Abua/Odual- Blessing Akio; Ahoada East- Nkiru Ogunsanmi Ewo; Ahoada- West- Jack R. Ubile; Akuku-Toru – Ibiere Adokiye Jack; Andoni – Emmanuel Josphine; Asari-Toru – Bene Karibo; Bonny – Juliet Atonye Ogbekhiulu; Degema- Olobo Tubokomba-Harry;
Eleme- Janet Osaro-Edee;
Emohua- Chinyere Elenwo; Etche- Nweke Gift C.; Gokana- Jacinta Lenu Vipene; Ikwerre- Nwakaego Amadi; Khana- Hon. Nugbenekpugi Ibrahim;
Obio-Akpor- Urey Maureen Ejims; Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni- Rose Okwuchukwu; Ogu/Bolo- Mercy Iyke-Echie; Okrika- Prof. Nene Jamabo; Omuma- Comfort Otuomasirichi; Opobo/Nkoro- Pauline Furo Batubo; Oyigbo- Akawor Catherine;
Port Harcourt-Angela Ohaka and Tai- Victoria Ngbor.
Highlight of the inauguration was the administration of the Oath of Office by Ibiwari Maureen Waribo Esq.
