EPOWERMENT PROGRAM FOR WOMEN FARMERS IN GREATER AWGU L.G.A.
Farmers globally occupy a very strategic level on the food Chain. They feed Nations and as such deserve all the attention they can get.
Women Farmers in their own ranks play pivotal roles in families , and to a large extent impact on the larger society in many significant ways.
In the food distribution chain, you may find out how the vegetables cultivated in Obeagu, finds it's way to Onitsha , as it becomes revenue earner for the rural Farmer. In the same vein, the cocoyam produced in Mmaku, finds a ready buyer at Ogbete main market , Enugu, while the yam and Okro produced in Ugbo or Mgbowo finds it's way to Awka or Isuochi markets.
It was on this premise that His Excellency Rt. Hon Toby Okechukwu came up with the idea of an empowerment program for women Farmers of Greater Awgu. To help them build capacity , so they can become better players in their own games.
It is also believed that if rural farmers are empowered, they can adequately take up the financial responsibility of training their children / wards , in both education and vocational trainings of their choices, so they can become useful members of the larger society.
The empowerment program which took place on the 4th of June 2019 , at the main Auditorium of Awgu local government Secretariat had resource persons who educated the women Farmer on different topics, ranging from
(1) Food production and distribution
(2) Health and nutrition
(3) Medicinal value of some vegetables
(4) Wealth creation
The resource persons were Dr Edward Isiwu, a Senior Consultant and Dr Florence Ifeanyieze , also a consultant and senior lecturer in the Department of Agriculture, University Of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The program also had an interactive forum , where questions were asked and answers provided.
The type of fertilizer for growing specific crops were taught them, (like the NPK 20 10 10, best for growing vegetables while NPK 15 15 15 is best for growing root crops like yam , Cassava and cocoyam)
The special guest of honour , Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu was ably represented by former commissioner for information, Dr Godwin Ikechukwu Udeuhele.
In his address, Dr Udeuhele thanked the women for coming as scheduled. He reminded them that campaign days are over, but his principal deemed it necessary to do his best for his constituents at all times.
Dr Udeuhele went on to reel out a catalogue of several other beneficiaries of Toby's goodwill.
Some got trained on 3Epoxy wall and floor decoration. Others got trained on various vocational skills at {S.E.D.I } scientific equipment development institute , Enugu, which the second batch of trainees are currently on session.
He concluded by saying that all these are happening even before Toby and colleagues are yet to be inaugurated for the 9th assembly. That we are expecting the best of him as his mandate kicks off in the next few days.
At the close of the event, starter packs were distributed among the participants numbering about five hundred. Bags of fertilizers were also distributed to enable them commence this farming period.
It is note worthy that transportation for the participants and fertilizers was provided after some refreshment
Some of the dignitaries that witnessed the program were Hon Mrs Benedict Orjiude, D'Mayor. She stood in for Awgu local government Area Chairman, Hon Stanley Okeke. Hon Ezekiel Chukwu, Aninri local government Chairman, Hon Johnny Obidimma, Hon Nelson Uduji, Hon Johnson Chukwuobasi, Hon Chinedu Otaka, Hon Alphonse Orji, Hon Chidi Ekwe , Hon Uche Ogbonna, High Chief Francis Osy Nwobi , Chairman Fontana Hotels, Chief Humphrey Ojimma, Chairman La Nueva Hotels, Hon Egwuonwu Obasi, Ahumalueze ama, Rtd Perm sec Oge Ukah, Hon Ralph Onovo, Sir Ephraim Offia etc.
The program came to a beautiful ending while the Farmers eulogized their benefactor, Rt. Hon Toby Okechukwu, Inyi erioba 1.
To God be the Glory.
Hon Tochukwu Chukwu,
Reporting from Awgu.
