By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
She gave the commitment in her address during the 2025 executive meeting held in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Addressing members of the federation, Dr. Audu emphasized that broadening agricultural participation is vital to achieving nationwide food security and self-sufficiency.
She stressed the need for collective action across all sectors to tackle Nigeria’s agricultural challenges and ensure a sustainable food future.
Dr. Audu, who is also a member of the Kogi Unity Forum (KUM), revealed that the federation has devised a series of agricultural initiatives designed to enhance food production within the state.
These programmes include organic farming, organic fertilizer,poultry, fishing, bread baking, and the mass production of various commodities aimed at processing and marketing.
In addition to traditional farming practices, the WIACF national president stated that the organization will provide skill-building programmes in fields such as fashion design, sewing among other.
She expressed optimism that this multifaceted approach will allow members to exchange ideas and skills, ultimately promoting self-reliance and contributing to both state and national development.
Dr. Audu announced an upcoming programme called “Women in Skills Jobs,” which will offer ample opportunities for WIACF members to showcase their talents and gain hands-on training in production, processing, and the buying and selling of agricultural goods.
The programme is designed to empower women and create pathways for sustainable livelihoods through entrepreneurship, according to her.
She also disclosed that the WIACF is also working on a comprehensive insurance scheme for its members, ensuring that their families benefit from long-term security.
Dr. Audu’s vision includes not only strengthening agricultural practices but also ensuring that WIACF members’ contributions have enduring impact for generations.
The federation’s future plans,the national told the meeting also include seminars and workshops focused on improving members’ contributions to farming and economic activities.
Dr. Audu stressed the importance of sensitizing the public on the importance of women in agriculture, urging members to stay engaged and proactive in enhancing their skills.
One of the exciting projects,she on the horizon is the integration of solar energy into farming practices.
The organization in partnership with foreign one planned to establish a solar-powered irrigation programme in Kogi State to boost agricultural productivity while promoting sustainable energy use.
Dr. Audu further revealed that the federation also planned to establish rice mills , each, in five local government areas across the state, creating local jobs and improving food production capacity.
In alignment with these goals, the WIACF has in mind to launch the Kogi Jobs/Kogi Food and Agriculture Clusters project,to be domicile in the office of the state’s First lady, a major initiative aimed at enhancing food production and ensuring the well-being of the people in the state.
The WIACF President urged members to dispel the negative perceptions surrounding women’s involvement in farming, emphasizing the many opportunities available through the federation.
She encouraged women to become advocates for agricultural engagement, ensuring that the benefits of joining the organization are widely recognized.
The first executive meeting of the year also featured significant organizational milestones, including the restructuring of the WIACF Limited Executives and the formation of a Disbursement Committee and the unveiling of several key programmes and projects designed to propel the organization forward.
Many attendees praised Dr.Audu for her purposeful leadership and offered suggestions for the continued growth and success of WIACF.
Some members of the public who spoke with our correspondent on the sideline of the meeting, said that Dr. Audu’s unwavering dedication to transforming agriculture in Nigeria has inspired a sense of hope and collective purpose among women, setting the stage for a brighter, more sustainable future in farming.
According to them, with her strategic vision and tireless advocacy for agricultural empowerment, Dr. Audu is well on her way to creating lasting change for Nigerian women and the entire agricultural sector.
