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BATNF Empowers Akwa Ibom Women, Boosts Food Security
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Agnes Ekebuike
To tackle food insecurity and empower rural women, the BATN Foundation (BATNF), in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Government and Eco-Lead Imperial Engineering and Global Services Ltd., has launched a poultry project in Akwa Ibom State.
The initiative which kicked off on December 15, 2024, at the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Project Premises (AKADEP), has already distributed 2,000 five-week-old Noiler chickens to 100 smallholder poultry farmers, with a focus on women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Each beneficiary received 20 Noiler birds, a 25kg bag of poultry feed, and 150g of multivitamin sachets, equipping them with the tools to start sustainable poultry farming.
The Noiler breed, known for its dual-purpose use in egg and meat production, is expected to improve local chicken breeds through cross-mating practices, thereby enhancing food security and nutrition in the region.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia, who represented Commissioner, Effiong Offor, at the flag-off ceremony, emphasised the state government’s commitment to supporting farmers.
She announced a transportation stipend of N5,000 for each beneficiary, underscoring the initiative’s alignment with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda to boost agricultural productivity in the state.
The selection process for beneficiaries was a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Agriculture, the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria (PAN), and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), ensuring that the most vulnerable groups were prioritised.
General Manager of the BATN Foundation, Oludare Odusanya, highlighted the project’s dual focus on immediate food security and long-term economic empowerment.
“This initiative is not just about providing resources; it’s about equipping farmers with the skills and tools to build sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
Director of Veterinary Services in Akwa Ibom State, Teddy Essien, praised the initiative for its potential to revolutionise rural agriculture and improve local poultry species.
He urged beneficiaries to prioritise the health and productivity of their birds.
Director of Livestock and Husbandry, Mr. Namokwo Orok, noted the project aligned with the state’s agricultural revolution agenda, calling it a timely intervention for community development.