UN, UNESCO partners, commend Nigerian Gov’t as it launches 12 million Young Women in Agriculture
By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
In commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day, the United Nations has commended the Nigerian government for the ambitious project launched aimed at empowering 12 million young women in agriculture.
The initiative, which was unveiled at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development in Abuja, seeks to promote economic diversification, enhance national security, and prevent the increase of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Honourable Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, ably represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Maryam Ismail, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the transformative potential of the project. The Minister urged Nigerian women to embrace the initiative, which is expected to be implemented across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The event featured a keynote address by Her Excellency Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, who was represented by Kimairis Toogood, United Nations Peace and Development Advisor.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the wife of the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, and the Chairperson of the Police Wives Association – POWA, Anambra State Chapter, Lady Garabe Uzonna Emmanuela, who encouraged women to join the program and make agriculture a success.
The project’s specific objectives include developing a strategic approach to enhancing economic diversification, strengthening the capacity of youths and women, and promoting national security through non-kinetic approaches. The initiative is also aimed at achieving zero hunger in Nigeria.
The official national flag-off of the 12 million Young Women in Agriculture Champions in Nigeria was held in commemoration of the United Nations 2025 International Women’s Day, with the theme “Enhancing Economic Value of Nigeria Women Through Agricultural Value Chain.
Mohamed Malick Fall, the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, has commended the Nigerian government on the launch of 12 million Young Women in Agriculture while emphasizing the importance of empowering Nigerian women in agriculture to drive sustainable development and economic growth.
Speaking at the National Flag Off Mobilization Campaign for 12 million Young Nigerian Women into the UNESCO Rep Young Women in Agriculture, Fall highlighted the significant role women play in agriculture and food production”, Kimairis Toogood, United Nations peace and Development advisor said in a speech delivered.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economies, ensuring food and nutrition security and fostering sustainable development,” Fall said. “Women are vital to this sector, contributing to crop production, food processing, poultry, and livestock production, among others.”
However, Fall noted that women’s involvement in agriculture is hindered by various challenges, including limited access to resources, financial constraints, limited market access, social and cultural norms, and gender-based discrimination. To address these challenges, Fall emphasized the need for targeted interventions and policies that promote gender equality and empowerment of women in agriculture.
The event, which celebrated the 2025 United Nations International Women’s Day, brought together dignitaries, including the Honorable Minister of Women’s Affairs, the Director General of the Maryam Babangida National Center for Women’s Development, and the National President of POWA.
Fall commended the Government of Nigeria, UNESCO, and partner organizations for their dedication to empowering women in agriculture.
He encouraged the young women embarking on this journey to embrace the opportunity, knowing they have the full support of the United Nations and the international community.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, Fall reaffirmed the commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women. “Together, we can create a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the development of their communities and nations at large.”
