Rashidat AbdulRahman
The Niger State Governor, Farmer Umar Mohammed Bago, has called on beneficiaries of the Tinubu/Bago Ruga-Ruga Pepper Farm Initiative to make judicious use of the empowerment items provided to them. The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Nma Kolo, made the appeal during the graduation of 50 women farmers and the integration of 100 new members into the programme.
He noted that the sewing machines and cash support distributed were intended to help the women build sustainable livelihoods, enhance their economic independence, and reduce poverty within their communities.
Chairman of Niger Foods, Mr. Sammy Adigun represented by Programme Coordinator, Engr. Bashir Tanko also highlighted the importance of empowering rural women as a key strategy for tackling poverty. Tanko explained that pepper farming has become a major source of income for Fulani women during the rainy season, complementing their traditional sale of cow milk, and stressed the need to engage more women in dry season farming due to the success recorded.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of the Bago Ruga-Ruga Group, Alhaji Hassan Shiroro, thanked the Governor, Niger Foods, and the Emir of Minna alongside his chiefs for their support and opportunities extended to the women. He revealed that the group cultivated 21 hectares of land with various perishable crops, generating profits exceeding ₦2 million.