By Cecilia Ogezi (Correspondent, Abuja)
In a renewed effort to bolster agricultural productivity at the grassroots, Divine Gold Multi-purpose Co-operative Society Limited, in collaboration with Tomorrow’s Women Development Organization (TWDO), has organised a one-day community sensitisation programme themed “Productive Agricultural System Through Support With Treated Variety Seeds” for rural women farmers in Apo-Dutse, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The programme, held at the LEA Nomadic Primary School, Apo, brought together women from the local community for capacity-building and agricultural enlightenment, particularly around improved seed varieties and farming practices suited to the current planting season.
Founder of TWDO, Hon. Chinyere Ezenwokike, while addressing participants, stressed the importance of targeted sensitisation during the planting season for key crops such as cassava, maize, and beans. She emphasised the need for access to treated seedlings, highlighting their higher yield potential and resistance to non-germination. She disclosed that the cooperative is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to secure improved seedlings for women in rural communities.
Ezenwokike educated the women on best practices for selecting soil types for specific crops, application of manure, and the advantages of improved seed varieties. She also noted that approval is being awaited from relevant authorities for the distribution of fertilisers to members of the cooperative.
“Women in the grassroots play a critical role in food production and national development. That is why our organisation is committed to supporting them with tools, knowledge, and resources to achieve better productivity,” she said.
Beyond agriculture, Ezenwokike outlined TWDO’s broader mandate which includes skills acquisition programmes in areas such as soap making, baking, and tailoring. She stressed that empowering women remains a cornerstone of the organisation’s vision, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic climate.
She also commended the FCT Minister for recent infrastructural improvements, especially roads, which she noted would ease the transportation of farm produce across various parts of the capital.
Also speaking at the event, FCT Coordinator of the Cooperative, Josephine Alegu, applauded Ezenwokike’s tireless contributions to women’s empowerment, describing her as a pillar of support. She urged the women of Apo-Dutse to continue supporting her initiatives, citing her provision of financial support and training opportunities for small-scale women entrepreneurs.
One of the participants, Mrs Felicia Idoko who spoke on behalf of the women, in her vote of thanks lauded efforts of the organisers while also promising to put all learnt into good use. NNL.
