The Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has urged women across the state to embrace agriculture as a viable pathway to economic empowerment, self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
Onyekesi made the call at the flag-off ceremony of the 2026 International Year for Women Farmers, organised by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Anambra State Government, through the IFAD-Assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP-AF) under the State Ministry of Agriculture.
The event, held at the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Complex, Awka, was themed, “Investing in Women Agrifood Systems and Securing the Future for Resilience.” It brought together government officials, women farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector from across the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Onyekesi commended the Federal Government, Anambra State Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for prioritising women in agricultural value-chain development.
She also commended the First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, for her consistent advocacy for women’s empowerment, noting that her various initiatives continue to complement government efforts aimed at improving the welfare, productivity and economic independence of women, including those engaged in agriculture.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare to supporting programmes and initiatives that improve the livelihoods of women across the state, in line with the vision of the First Lady and the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
She urged women farmers to remain committed to agriculture and take advantage of opportunities across the agricultural value chain, assuring them of the continued support of the state government in building a more resilient, inclusive and productive agricultural sector.
The event was hosted by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Ben Chuks Odoemena, and attended by the National Programme Coordinator, Dr. Fatima K. Aliyu; the State Programme Coordinator, Dr. Deborah I. Onyefulu; women farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
