Office Of Edo First Lady, LIFE-ND Mull Collaborate To Empower Women

The office of the Edo State First Lady and an intervention agency, LIFE-ND Project on Wednesday mulled collaboration aimed at empowering Edo women in agro-based endeavour to enhance food society and create jobs for rural dwellers.

The indication emerged when the First Lady Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani, played host to the state Coordinator of LIFE-ND Project, Mr John Omoruyi at her office in Government House, Benin City

Omoruyi noted that since inception the agency through concerted efforts had to produced over 20 millionaires through investment in agriculture.

He explained that the LIFE-ND Project aims to transform the rural economy, ensuring that all rural populations in the Niger Delta region benefit equally from agriculture.

He highlighted the project’s core objectives, which include increasing income, enhancing food security, and creating sustainable jobs for rural youth and women through agribusiness development.

One of the project’s recent initiatives, Nutrition Mainstream in Uteh Community, Edo State, currently supports 40 women engaged in fish farming, fish marketing, and agricultural production. “We walk our talk,” Mr. Omoruyi added.

In her response, Mrs. Anani reiterated the importance of agriculture, describing it as a key driver of economic growth.

She said, “Agriculture is essential, and it should be our new focus. Edo State must be able to feed its people and even supply food to other states,” she said.

She stressed that empowering women and youth is crucial to building a better society.

“When we invest in women and young people, we create a sustainable future. Our youth will have opportunities for meaningful employment, reducing crime and social vices. If we fail to train and support them, we will face greater challenges in the future,” she concluded.

He further revealed that the project targets women, youth, and people with disabilities, aiming to reach approximately 20,000 beneficiaries across six states. With Edo State’s involvement, he expressed optimism that the state would not only sustain itself agriculturally but also contribute significantly to national food production.