Abuja: The Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and UN Women have initiated a program to empower more than 150 women on cassava processing and branding for international markets. Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the Secretariat, revealed this in an interview in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the empowerment initiative falls under the FCT’s ‘Ba Yunwa: Ba Fushi’ economic empowerment project, with support from UN Women. The phrase ‘Ba Yunwa: Ba Fushi’ translates to ‘no hunger: no anger’ in Hausa. The beneficiaries, drawn from the Sheda community in Kwali Area Council, are being trained to boost agricultural businesses in rural communities. The empowerment program, which began on July 9, focuses on enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of Sheda women in processing and branding ‘akpu’, a local delicacy, for international markets.
Akpu, also known as fufu, is a popular Nigerian food made from fermented cassava and is enjoyed with various Nigerian soups. Benjamins-Laniyi emphasized that 50 women have already been trained, demonstrating FCTA’s dedication to strengthening women’s resilience, improving food security, and enhancing the overall well-being of residents. The project aims to empower women, girls, and children in the FCT, with a particular focus on the Akpu Women’s Group in Kwali Area Council.
The project is also designed to provide access to a reliable water source for the Akpu Women’s Group through the installation of a borehole in the Akpu Agro-processing Zone. This initiative will ensure that the women have the necessary resources for their agricultural activities. Additionally, the program offers business entrepreneurship and empowerment training, equipping the women with the skills and knowledge needed to start and manage their own businesses.
Benjamins-Laniyi noted that the project aligns with the administration’s commitment to gender inclusivity and sustainable development, marking part of a two-year celebration of renewed hope in the FCT. She reiterated FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s dedication to empowering women across the territory’s six area councils, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’. The training aims to improve cassava processing and branding skills, enabling women to access international markets and enhance their economic well-being.
The initiative also includes the construction of a work shed and borehole, providing a conducive environment and water to support the women’s processing businesses. Benjamins-Laniyi expressed gratitude to UN Women for their support and partnership in transforming the lives of women, girls, and children in the FCT.
Additionally, Mrs. Beatrice Enyong, Head of UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized that the empowerment aims to build women’s capacity to enhance food security in Nigeria. Represented by Mrs. Patience Ekeoba, acting Deputy Country Representative, Enyong highlighted the program’s goal to address challenges faced by women in agro-entrepreneurship, income generation, and self-sufficiency. She praised the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat for their initiative in creating community-driven solutions for women, families, and the local economy.
