Food Security: Women playing major role in agricultural value chain ― FG

The Federal Government has disclosed that women in Nigeria are playing a critical role in ensuring food security in the country.

Speaking on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the Women Food Sellers Association of Nigeria, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb Mariam Katagum commended Women particularly in their responsibilities in the Agricultural food value chain.

The Minister pointed out that Nigerian women have contributed positively to the reduction of hunger in the country through their value addition to agricultural produce in areas of food processing, preservation among others.

“We are helping in the agricultural value chain. You cook it, you preserve it, that is another area you are contributing. In doing so, you are contributing to the reduction of hunger or poverty in the country you are playing a very important role.”

She applauded the association and advised other women to formalize themselves into groups which would make it easier for governments at all levels to offer necessary supports.

She stated that Nigerian women form a very important constituent of President Buhari’s administration and reaffirmed that women in businesses were allocated 45 per cent in the MSMEs Survival Fund Scheme to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their businesses.

According to a statement made available to newsmen by Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, Amb Katagum assured the association that the Ministry will facilitate their participation at its various economic empowerment programmes as well as continue to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the country.

The Minister thanked the association for honouring her as the Matron of the Women Food Sellers Association of Nigeria and promised to honour the invitation to attend the forthcoming Annual Abuja Food Fair.

In her address, the National President, Women Food Sellers Association, Mrs Funke Tetteh said her association was in the Ministry to solicit support on women economic empowerment programmes, for its members who are in 36 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory.

She commended the Minister of State for her motherly commitment to the well-being of the Nigerian women through her contribution to the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which is the engine room of the nation’s economy.

The national President, therefore, seized the opportunity of seeking partnership with the Ministry to invite the Minister of State to the forthcoming Annual Abuja Food Fair organized by the association.

YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

We Have Not Had Water Supply In Months ― Abeokuta Residents

In spite of the huge investment in the water sector by the government and international organisations, water scarcity has grown to become a perennial nightmare for residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. This report x-rays the lives and experiences of residents in getting clean, potable and affordable water amidst the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state.

Selfies, video calls and Chinese documentaries: The things you’ll meet onboard Lagos-Ibadan train

The Lagos-Ibadan railway was inaugurated recently for a full paid operation by the Nigerian Railway Corporation after about a year of free test-run. Our reporter joined the train to and fro Lagos from Ibadan and tells his experience in this report…

[ICYMI] Lekki Shootings: Why We Lied About Our Presence — General Taiwo

The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry probing the killings at Lekki Toll Gate, on Saturday resumed viewing of the 24hrs footage of the October 20, 2020 shooting of #EndSARS protesters by personnel of the Nigerian Army…

Women playing major role  ;  Women playing major role  ;  Women playing major role