By Victoria Onyisi
In a groundbreaking move to uplift women and stimulate economic growth, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has forged a strategic partnership with Atlanta – Georgia in United States of America (U.S) to cultivate and export Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas.
This innovative move, spearheaded by the Minister, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, aims to raise capital for small-scale women-owned businesses, alleviate poverty, and create job opportunities, while also contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
She stated that the partnership will enable the production and exportation of Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas plants, with a focus on raising capital for women to run their small-scale businesses.
The Head, Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Mrs. Grace Njoku, quoted the Minister as saying that the initiative is also targeted at alleviating poverty and creating job opportunities for women.
According to the Minister, the medicinal plants will be cultivated in designated dams, with the realized profits shared among participants, she added.
Kennedy-Ohanenye informed that the Ministry has written to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for land space in all the dams for 7 years to enable women embark on the project, and is liaising with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources for the provision of dams for the cultivation of the plants.
As the Ministry embarks on this pioneering project, a brighter future unfolds for Nigerian women. By harnessing the potentials of Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas, the country is poised to witness a significant reduction in poverty, a surge in women’s empowerment, and a boost to the national economy.
With the Ministry’s dedication and the support of partners like Atlanta, this initiative is set to leave a lasting impact, inspiring a new generation of women entrepreneurs and contributing to a more prosperous Nigeria, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration