In a recent meeting with the LIFE-ND team at the Government House in Benin City, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, called for greater inclusion of women in agricultural initiatives to drive food security and economic development in Edo State.
Speaking to the group, Mrs. Anani stressed that agricultural growth should be inclusive, noting that women play an indispensable role in both the local economy and the agricultural sector. “Women are the backbone of our economy. We are hardworking, resilient, and incredibly capable,” she said, reaffirming the significance of empowering women to achieve broader economic and social progress.
The First Lady highlighted the administration’s commitment to prioritising agriculture, which she described as a key driver of food security, job creation, and financial stability for the state. “The Governor has made agriculture one of the top priorities in this administration. Our goal is to ensure not just food security, but also sustainable employment and overall economic growth,” Mrs. Anani remarked.
The meeting also focused on the LIFE-ND’s agricultural initiatives, with Mrs. Anani urging that women and young people be actively engaged in the programme. She suggested that the project’s sustainability be supported through mentorship and regular assessments to ensure lasting impact.
For his part, LIFE-ND Project Coordinator, Mr. John Omoruyi, expressed gratitude for the Edo State Government’s backing, with Governor Monday Okpebholo allocating 1.6 billion Naira in the 2025 budget for LIFE-ND Plus. Omoruyi detailed the project’s broad scope, which will span 100 communities across 10 local governments in the state. He emphasized the need to profile women within these communities, as their active participation is central to the project’s success.
The LIFE-ND initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity and promote economic empowerment for both women and youths, making it a critical component of the state’s long-term development strategy.
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