By: TUNDE BOLAJI MINNA.
The Coordinator of the Bago Ruga Ruga Pepper Farm Group, Alhaji Hassan Shiroro, (Wakilin Fulani of Minna Emirate) has led a delegation of women and youth farmers to the office of Niger Foods Security System and Logistics Company Limited in Minna.
Purpose of the visit it was learnt is to brief the company on their successful pepper harvest, supported by the company, and to express appreciation to the Chairman, Mr. Sammy Adigun.
The delegation also used the opportunity to seek deeper integration of the group into the company’s agricultural programs.
Responding, the Executive Chairman of Niger Foods, Mr. Sammy Adigun, said the company is committed to improving nomadic livelihoods across the State by enhancing their capacity in crop and pasture production.
He explained that the intervention would cover grains, pepper, and vegetables, alongside pasture production for livestock.
According to him, Niger Foods will continue to support farmers with input financing for seeds, fertilizer, and renewable irrigation systems that guarantee all-year farming.
He added that the company would also provide capacity building in silage making and storage to strengthen livestock productivity.
Mr. Adigun reaffirmed that the Ruga Ruga Fresh Pepper Farm Group would be fully integrated into Niger Foods’ agricultural value chain programs, covering rice production, vegetable and pepper farming, as well as livestock development.
“The nomadic pastoralist communities welcome innovations and investments, and we will not leave anyone behind,” he said.
The visit further underscores Niger Foods’ model of inclusive agricultural transformation, which places special emphasis on empowering women and youth in farming.
By working with organized groups such as the Ruga Ruga farmers, the company is building a network of smallholder farmers with access to modern technologies, markets and sustainable financing systems.
During an interview, the Project Coordinator, Niger Foods Faridah Ladan, expressed appreciation to the women already involved in the initiative, while urging more women to take advantage of the opportunity and join the progress being made.
Also speaking, the Assistant Woman Leader of the Bago Ruga Ruga group, Hauwa Mohammed, commended the Niger State Government and Niger Foods for creating such a valuable platform that is empowering women and enabling them to excel across the state.
