By Zainab Faruk
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative of Nigeria’s First Lady and the Office of the Bauchi State First Lady, has launched the Women Agricultural Support Program (WASP). This initiative aims to promote sustainable agriculture and economic empowerment by training 150 women on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and providing them with agricultural starter inputs to enhance their farming endeavors.
At the launch event in Bauchi, the First Lady of the state, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, described the program as a transformative milestone in empowering women and fostering economic development. In her address, she expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Renewed Hope Initiative, led by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their leadership in implementing this impactful initiative.
Hajiya Aishatu highlighted the program’s total budget of ₦36,270,270.27, designed to optimize its impact. Each beneficiary will receive ₦100,000 worth of agricultural inputs, including high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, alongside a cash grant of ₦100,000 to support their farming activities. She emphasized that the program goes beyond financial assistance, equipping women with the tools, knowledge, and resources to become pivotal players in enhancing food security, reducing poverty, and fostering community resilience.
The Commissioner of Women Affairs, Child Development, and Social Welfare, Hajiya Zainab Baban Takko, also commended the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward addressing gender inequality and improving women’s economic status. She praised both Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Hajiya Aishatu Bala Muhammad for their unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment.
“This program is a game-changer for women in Bauchi State, enabling them to acquire skills and resources that will not only improve their agricultural productivity but also enhance their economic independence,” Hajiya Zainab remarked.
She further expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Bauchi State for creating an enabling environment for initiatives that empower women in agriculture. Hajiya Zainab also thanked resource persons, stakeholders, and partners for their contributions, noting that the comprehensive training sessions had inspired even government officials to develop a newfound passion for agriculture.
The WASP initiative underscores the collective commitment of the Federal and Bauchi State Governments to promoting sustainable agriculture and fostering economic growth, particularly for women. Beneficiaries expressed optimism about the impact of the program on their livelihoods and communities, marking the beginning of a journey toward greater food security and economic empowerment in the region.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge by all stakeholders to ensure the program’s sustainability and success, positioning women as key players in advancing agriculture and development in Bauchi State