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First Lady of Lagos, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (R), presenting bank cheques to recipients during the Fadama Training Day.



First Lady of Lagos, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (R), presenting certificate of registration to a participant at the Fadama Training Day.

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Feb 25, 2008 - 2-Day Sensitization Workshop For Women Cooperative Farmers In Lagos State And Presentation Of Fadama Grants To Beneficiaries

I am greatly delighted to be with you this morning as we commence a 2-Day sensitization workshop for women cooperative farmers in Lagos State with the theme: “Women Farmers Empowerment: a Catalyst for sustainable increase in food production”. I am aware that this occasion will also witness the presentation of FADAMA grants in form of farming implements to thirty five groups that have fulfilled all the conditions specified under the FADAMA programme.

 

I congratulate all the 500 participants representing the different women farmers cooperative societies as well as the beneficiaries of the grants to be presented today.

 

This event marks a major step forward in our determination to give due recognition to the efforts of women farmers in Lagos State. Apart from ensuring food security through increase in food production, this new initiative is aimed at improving the quality of life and living standards of our women farmers.

 

Before now, available record shows that women who constitute about 60% of farmers’ population have access to less than 20% of available agricultural resources and opportunities. The time has come to effect a positive change to empower women in agriculture by giving them all the assistance and encouragement they require to enhance their capacity as well as enjoy better rewards for their labour. This act will go a long way in reducing the incidence of poverty among women in line with the 10 point agenda of the State Government and the Millennium Development Goals.

 

I wish to advise all workshop participants to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Please pay attention to all you will be taught within 2 days, especially on how to organise your societies, manage your funds through proper accounting, record keeping and how to obtain loan facilities/grants under the new micro finance scheme, FADAMA and the Nigeria Agricultural Cooperative and rural Development Bank.

 

I pray that all FADAMA beneficiaries will make the best use of the equipments. My advise to those who are yet to benefit from this programme, especially the local governments that did not participate now is to work hard towards meeting all the requirements that will make you beneficiaries in the next exercise.

 

Finally, I want to express my appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Chief Enoch Ajiboso and the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Raji and their members of Staff for all the efforts they have put into making this programme a huge success. I also want to particularly thank you for your kind gesture in waiving the registration fees in order to encourage more women to register as cooperative societies.

 

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is on this note that I declare open this sensitization workshop to the glory of God and for the empowerment of women farmers in Lagos State.

 

I thank you for your kind attention, God bless you all.

 

Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State