Cassava facility boosts women’s economic empowerment in FCT

By Hafsah Tilde

The Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), in partnership with development organisations, has inaugurated a cassava processing facility in Kwali Area Council to boost rural women’s productivity and economic opportunities.

The facility, established for members of the Akpu Women Cassava Processing Association, was delivered through collaboration involving UN Women Nigeria, TY Danjuma Foundation, ATRED Foundation and the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat.

Speaking during the inauguration, MBNCWD Director-General, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, described the project as a practical intervention addressing challenges faced by rural women processors who spend long hours undertaking labour-intensive cassava processing.

She said the facility would improve productivity, reduce drudgery and increase income-generating opportunities for women, reflecting the commitment of government and development partners to advancing women’s economic empowerment nationwide.

“Today, I return not merely as a guest of honour, but as a witness to a promise made, a partnership nurtured and a vision fulfilled,” Benjamins-Laniyi said.

The director-general recalled meeting members of the association while serving as pioneer Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, where they highlighted production constraints and aspirations for sustainable enterprise development.

According to her, the women’s determination inspired efforts to mobilise support for the initiative, which she said would strengthen livelihoods while recognising women as drivers of food security and development.

UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Beatrice Eyong, said the facility would reduce the burden of manual processing, improve operational efficiency and enable beneficiaries to pursue additional income-generating activities.

Eyong emphasised the importance of investing in rural women’s economic empowerment, noting that increased productivity would contribute to stronger household incomes and broader economic participation within local communities.

Also speaking, Chairperson of TY Danjuma Foundation, Ms Hannatu Gentles, described the facility as a transformative investment capable of improving productivity, raising household incomes and supporting local economic development.

Chairman of ATRED Foundation, Mrs Victory Akachukwu, represented by Ada Chukwumere, a director at the foundation, said more than 500 women were expected to benefit directly from the intervention and associated economic opportunities.

The event featured the commissioning of the processing facility, group photographs and courtesy visits to traditional rulers, marking a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen the cassava value chain.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru