FCT NUJ Council, NAWOJ urge journalists to amplify the voices of women farmers

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the FCT Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) have called on journalists to amplify the voices of women farmers by shedding light on their challenges, achievements, and contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Speaking at the first anniversary of SheFarmer and the national launch of the SheFarmers Livestock Project held on Thursday in Abuja, NUJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, emphasised the need for journalists to support stakeholders who are advocating for increased female participation in agriculture.

She stressed the importance of showcasing both their successes and obstacles to inspire positive change.

“Women farmers play a crucial role in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, yet their voices are often marginalised. As journalists, it is our duty to highlight their stories and advocate for their rights, beginning here in the FCT,” said Comrade Ike.

Echoing this sentiment, the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang, urged journalists to focus on narratives that bring attention to the difficulties women farmers face, including limited access to credit, land, and markets.

She also highlighted their innovations in agriculture, which serve as a guide for policymakers and duty bearers in ensuring food security within the FCT.

Speaking on the theme ‘Women Overcoming Challenges of Entrepreneurship and Food Security in Nigeria,’ Comrade Bassey commended the resilience of women and young girls who continue to thrive despite the hurdles of entrepreneurship.

She noted that female entrepreneurs in Nigeria are making remarkable progress despite constraints such as restricted access to finance, markets, and technology.

“Women entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s agricultural sector encounter significant challenges, including limited access to land, credit, and markets. Additionally, societal norms and cultural expectations often place their roles as homemakers above their entrepreneurial aspirations,” she stated.

Despite these obstacles, Comrade Bassey underscored that women entrepreneurs continue to innovate and expand their enterprises with the backing of organisations dedicated to women’s empowerment. She commended the SheFarmer Project for its efforts in empowering thousands of women farmers through training programmes, financial access, and market support, which have significantly enhanced their productivity and livelihoods.

NAWOJ FCT pledged to continue amplifying the voices of women farmers to promote gender equality, social justice, and sustainable agricultural development within the FCT and beyond.

In her keynote address, the Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Women and Children Secretariat, Honourable Dayo Benjamin, outlined various initiatives implemented by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to support women. She reassured women farmers in the FCT of the administration’s continued commitment to their welfare.

Additionally, the representative of the Head of Service, FCT, Mrs Jumai Ahmodu, pledged the Head of Service’s dedication to improving the well-being of women in the FCT.

In her goodwill message, the wife of the Ona of Abaji expressed her steadfast support for women’s empowerment through the SheFarmer Project.

Other distinguished guests, including the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, the Ona of Abaji, Grand Patron Alhaji Aminu Saleh, representatives from ECOWAS, and the FCT Mandate Secretary on Agriculture, commended the launch of the programme and pledged their support.

Earlier in her welcome address, FCT Chairperson of SheFarmer, Dr Maimuna Abdullahi Habib, provided an overview of the organisation’s activities and various milestones achieved thus far.