BATN Foundation partners Edo to boost poultry production

…distributes 600 bags of feeds, chicks, others to women with disabilities

The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) in collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Livestock Development, has distributed 600 bags of feeds, birds and multivitamins to women with disabilities, who are poultry farmers in the State.

Speaking at the distribution of empowerment items to 50 farmers, Oludare Odusanya, the General Manager of BATNF, said the beneficiaries were carefully selected.

Odusanya represented by Sadiq Waziri, the Executive Director, Eco-lead Imperial Engineering and Global Resources Limited said 200 of 10-week-old Noiler birds, 200 bags of specially formulated feed and 200 essential multivitamins were distributed to the women farmers.

He said the empowerment was to support sustainable poultry farming.

He said the empowerment being implemented through Eco-lead Imperial Engineering and Global Resources Limited was designed to empower women and enhance rural livelihoods in the State.

“We firmly believe that by investing in our community especially in the capable hands of resilient and enterprising women, we are planting the seeds for a brighter and more prosperous future for all in Edo State.

“This initiative is not just about providing resources; it’s about fostering development, resilience, and economic empowerment within our communities.

“Poultry farming has emerged as a transformative enterprise, providing not only a sustainable source of income but also advancing food security and strengthening community cohesion.

“Through the provision of these resources, our aim is to empower the women of Edo State, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to establish successful businesses that will contribute to the broader prosperity of our community.

“We recognise the challenges our community faces, which is why we are committed to investing in initiatives that deliver meaningful and lasting impact”, he said.

Odusanya, posited that besides the initial distribution, the Foundation would provide continuous support, awareness programs, and resources to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of this project.

He expressed gratitude to the Edo State Ministry of Livestock Development for the unwavering support which had been essential to the success of this project.

He also commended Eco-lead Imperial Engineering and Global Resources Limited, the implementation partner for its tireless efforts that had been instrumental in driving and successfully delivering this initiative.

The BATNF boss explained that since its inception in 2002, the foundation had supported the Federal and State Governments in agricultural development programmes and has invested over N4 billion in supporting rural smallholder farmers.

He also added that over 1.3 million people had so far benefited from the Foundation, ensuring that the beneficiaries are expected to be doubled in the next 10 years through increased support to smallholder farmers across the 36 States and the FCT.

He, however, assured the Edo State Government of the Foundation’s commitment and continuous support to the socio-economic and agricultural development of smallholder farmers and women in the State.

Earlier, Ignatius Ikponmwosa Omorodion, the State Commissioner for Livestock Development, commended the Management of BATNF and Eco-lead Imperial Engineering and Global Resources Limited for the empowerment.

Omorodion represented by Thomas Haruna, Director of Veterinary Services in the Ministry, assured the beneficiaries that the Ministry had initiated several programs that will benefit the people of the state.

He also disclosed the Ministry had been liaising and collaborating with different partners including the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development among others for projects that would benefit the people particularly People With Disabilities (PWDs).

“There are a lot of projects which will come up for this year, by God’s grace Edo farmers are going to benefit”, he added.

On her part, Ann Ojugu, Chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Edo State Chapter, thanked BATNF, Edo State Government and the Ministry of Livestock Development.

Ojugu, however, urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the empowerment, noting that they are geared towards improving their livelihood and source of income.

She also opined that if judiciously used, the empowerment could potentially change their lives to be independent rather than depending on families and friends.