A non-governmental organization, Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive Development (NWAPDI), which aims at boosting food production and women participation in the agro sector, has been launched in Rivers State.

Peforming the launch on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NWAPDI’s National Coordinator, Omolara Svenson charged its members to be proactive and help sensitize the women at the grassroots.

She also inaugurated the group’s state executives and local government area coordinators, stating that she was impressed that few months after the launch of the national body, Rivers State took a cue and is poised to spread the vision and objectives of the body.

She expressed optimism that with the zeal so far displayed, the agricultural sector is expected to get a boost from the womenfolk, asserting that “we need to change the narrative and sensitize our rural women to participate more in agriculture”.

The National Coordinator thanked the members for being part of the vision of the initiative, which is part of an evolving history in Nigeria, as women in both urban and rural areas are being mobilised for greater participation in agriculture.

Also, speaking the South-South Zonal Coordinator, Queen Babalola, who spoke virtually congratulated and welcomed all members on board NWAPDI, which will bring succour to women farmers in the state.

In her remarks, the North Central Coordinator, Harirat Suleimon, who also spoke virtually, congratulated Rivers Chapter on their inauguration, and advised members to see NWAPDI as an avenue to enhance food availability all year round in our nation.

She urged members to ensure unity of purpose as that is the only way to guarantee success and achieve the goals of the organisation.

On her part, Rivers State Coordinator of NWAPDI, Ngozi Ajayi said the inauguration of the state executives and local government ward coordinators was a sign that the body has come to stay and is poised to lead women in the agric sector.

“As you can see the body is made up of lawyers, lecturers, teachers, and women in different sectors. The essence is to call attention on the need for women to collaborate together so their voices will be heard.”

She further stated that, “women are the major backbone in the agric sector, and if their efforts are harnessed to impact on the nation’s food production, their impact can go far.”

With NWAPDI on board, she expressed optimism that the plight of women farmers will be reduced, such that all government and international support will get to the grassroots.

Assistant State Coordinator of the body, Nneka Bissong said the inauguration exceeded expectations, noting that “what we have witnessed today shows women are ready to take over. Whether you’re a doctor, lawyer, or teacher, we need to be involved in food production, and that is what NWAPDI is all about”.

Bissong said the next step is for the Local Government and Ward coordinators to live up to the billing of sensitizing rural women in order to boost food production.

Coordinator for Okrika LGA, Professor Nene Jamabo, in her contribution, said she was impressed and ready to contribute her quota, declaring that “we are going back to our various LGAs to do the needful. Every woman needs to be involved in this project”.

Prof. Jamabo noted that “women are more active in farming, but are not given the necessary support and encouragement, a situation she says needs to be changed to boost food production in the country.”

In the same light, LG Coordinator for Port Harcourt City LGA, Angela Ohaka stressed the need for all to embrace galvanised farming in the cities.

“We need to be creative by using all available space in our compound to grow vegetables, breed poultry, and other livestock’s, and this will reduce food shortage now ravaging the country.”

Public Relations Officer of the body, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo said NWAPDI has come to stay, stressing that “what we are advocating is food sufficiency in the nation. We intend to take this campaign to the rural areas, and we want more women involved in this campaign”.  

A legal practitioner, Ibiwari Waribo administered the oath of office while inaugurating the state executives and LGA coordinators. The inaugurated state executives include Nneka Bissong, Assistant State Coordinator, Ifeoma Azoro, Secretary; Rita Ababo, Treasurer and Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, Public Relations Officer.

The LGA Coordinators also include, Abua/Odual; Blessing Akio, Ahoada-East; Nkiru Ewo, Ahoada-West; Jack Ubile, Akuku-Toru; Ibiere Jack, Andoni; Josphine Emmanuel, Asari-Toru; Bene Karibo, Bonny; Juliet Ogbekhiulu, Degema; Olobo Tubokomba-Harry, Eleme; Janet Osaro-Edee, Emohua; Chinyere Elenwo, Etche; Gift Nweke, and Gokana; Jacinta Vipene.

Others are Ikwerre; Nwakaego Amadi, Khana; Nugbenekpugi Ibrahim, Obio/Akpor; Urey Ejims, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni; Rose Okwuchukwu, Ogu/Bolo; Mercy Iyke-Echie, Okrika; Prof. Nene Jamabo, Omuma; Comfort Otuomasirichi, Opobo/Nkoro; Pauline Batubo, Oyigbo; Catherine Akawor, Port Harcourt; Angela Ohaka, and Tai; Victoria Ngbor.